League: WNBA Sport: Basketball Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

Valkyries edge Dream 68-64 in gritty Game 1 of WNBA Finals

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 18, 2026, 10:46 AM

Last updated Oct 18, 2026

Valkyries edge Dream 68-64 in gritty Game 1 of WNBA Finals

Summary

The Valkyries defeated the Dream 68-64 in Game 1 of the WNBA Finals in San Francisco. Despite a challenging offensive performance, Golden State managed to secure the victory with strong defensive play. The team struggled with shooting, highlighted by Cecilia Zandalasini's missed attempts during a crucial stretch. Coach Natalie Nakase emphasized the importance of effort and details in their approach, as the Valkyries continue their quest for the championship. This victory marks an important step as they aim for three wins to capture the title.

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Status Watch

•Valkyries score 28 points in the second quarter
•Dream struggled against Valkyries' defense
•Zandalasini misses key shots late in the game
•Tiffany Hayes leaves with injury, shooting 1 of 12
•Next game in WNBA Finals set for next week

Latest Updates

10:46 AMYahoo Sports — Valkyries survive shooting slump with their usual grit for WNBA Finals win

What they're saying

"
SAN FRANCISCO — Ballhalla rose in unison, prepared to explode. Just under six minutes remained when the ball found Cecilia Zandalasini in the left corner. The previous three minutes had been a rough stretch offensively for Zandalasini. She missed two free throws after getting fouled on a 3-pointer. She followed that by missing a 13-foot turnaround from the left side of the paint, then a missed 26-footer from the right wing. But this shot? Zandalasini was more open than a highway at midnight. Thi
— Yahoo Sports

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WNBA Basketball