Gabby Williams scores 28 in second half to win Valkyries first title
The forward posted a postseason record performance in a 68-63 Game 7 victory over Atlanta.
By Bianca Herrera ·
Golden State Valkyries forward Gabby Williams secured the WNBA championship with a 28-point second-half performance on Saturday.
The 30-year-old scored all 28 points in the second half, setting the record for the most points in one half of any WNBA postseason game. Her scoring helped the No. 2 seed defeat the Atlanta Dream 68-63 in Game 7 at Chase Center. Williams was named the 2026 WNBA Finals MVP for her performance.
The Valkyries entered the final game down by six points. Williams stated in a Monday interview on Good Morning America that the team controlled the pace as intended. She noted that keeping Atlanta under 40 points allowed the defensive-minded squad to secure the victory. This is the franchise's first WNBA title in its second season in the league.
Williams attributed the win to team culture rather than individual talent. She said the staff selected players who created a strong environment, a factor she found attractive when joining the team. Williams compared this run to previous experiences on star-studded teams, stating that a good group of people can take a team further than individual skill alone.
The forward also praised head coach Natalie Nakase for her leadership style. Williams described Nakase as the most competitive person she has met, noting that this competitiveness extends to how she treats people and shows up daily. She said the coach leads by example and cares deeply for each player on a human level.
The Valkyries completed their season with a 68-63 win over the Dream. The final score was recorded at Chase Center, which the team has nicknamed Ballhalla. Williams' 28-point second half stands as a new league record for postseason halves.
