Golden State Valkyries win WNBA title in just their second season

The Golden State Valkyries won their first WNBA championship in only their second season, defeating the Atlanta Dream 68-63 in San Francisco on 31 October. The women’s basketball final was also the first deciding Game 7 in the league’s history.

Gabby Williams led the comeback with 30 points and was named the finals’ most valuable player. After scoring just two points before half-time, she added 28 in the second half, a WNBA finals record. Her 15-point third quarter helped Golden State turn a six-point half-time deficit into a narrow lead.

Williams credited coach Natalie Nakase with encouraging her to stay patient. The win also drew on contributions from Veronica Burton, who finished with 10 points and 10 rebounds, and Tiffany Hayes, whose 11 points helped secure her first WNBA title at 37.

Golden State’s route to the trophy included beating Dallas and winning every game in its series against defending champions Las Vegas. In the finals, the Valkyries recovered after falling behind Atlanta by two games to one.

The young club has found an enthusiastic audience, too. According to the team, the championship decider was its 53rd consecutive home sellout, continuing a run stretching back to its debut season.