Valkyries secure Game 1 win over Dream in WNBA Finals
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 18, 2026, 1:31 AM
Last updated Oct 18, 2026

The Golden State Valkyries defeated the Atlanta Dream 68-64 in Game 1 of the WNBA Finals at Chase Center in San Francisco on October 17, 2026. The Valkyries rallied in the fourth quarter, overcoming a lead held by the Dream throughout much of the game. Gabby Williams led all scorers with 26 points. A physical contest saw both teams endure hard fouls, but the Valkyries' victory marked Atlanta's first playoff loss this season. Game 2 is scheduled for later in the week, with the Valkyries unbeaten at home since August 19.
- •Valkyries lead series 1-0 following Game 1 victory.
- •Williams scored 26 points, including key late-game points.
- •The match featured significant physical play and intense fan support.
- •Game 2 is anticipated later this week.
- 1:31 AMYahoo Sports — Valkyries retain, relish their Ballhalla advantage in bruising win over Dream
"Golden State has yet to lose a playoff game at home; Atlanta had yet to lose in the playoffs. Something had to give, but the Valkyries and an 18,000-strong "sixth man" added up to a defeated Dream.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
WNBA•Oct 18, 2026, 1:23 AMHow Valkyries' Gabby Williams uses math to shoulder a heavy offensive burden
WNBA•Oct 17, 2026, 10:42 PMWNBA Finals: Atlanta Dream drop Game 1 to Golden State Valkyries- WNBA•Oct 17, 2026, 10:36 PMDream's Angel Reese made WNBA Finals history despite Game 1 loss
WNBA•Oct 17, 2026, 10:34 PMExclusive: “Welcome to my life”– Why basketball is everything to Valkyries’ Natalie Nakase
WNBA•Oct 17, 2026, 10:11 PMGolden State Valkyries reach WNBA Finals with expansion blueprint
WNBA•Oct 17, 2026, 7:50 PMA first-time WNBA champion awaits as Valkyries, Dream open the Finals
