The Golden State Valkyries won the WNBA championship in only their second season, beating the Atlanta Dream 68–63 in Game 7 on 31 October in the United States. Finals MVP Gabby Williams scored 30 points, including 28 in the second half, according to Associated Press coverage carried by NBA.com.
A decisive performance after a difficult series position
Golden State had trailed 2–1 in the series before completing its title run. AP highlighted coach Natalie Nakase’s decision to insert Kaila Charles into the starting lineup after that deficit.
The Valkyries entered the playoffs as the second seed. A year earlier, they had become the first expansion franchise to qualify for the playoffs in its inaugural season. The championship extended that early progress into a title rather than merely another postseason appearance.
For veteran Tiffany Hayes, whose career spans 14 seasons, it was a first WNBA championship. AP’s account also captured the reactions of Veronica Burton and teammates celebrating in San Francisco.
The organisation behind the quick rise
Owner Joe Lacob had promised a championship within five years when the franchise was awarded. The second-season result arrived well ahead of that timetable. He credited president Jess Smith, general manager Ohemaa Nyanin and Nakase with building and directing the team.
The report noted sellouts at Chase Center for every game since the franchise began. Players and Lacob described that support as an important part of their experience around the team.
A victory parade along San Francisco’s waterfront was planned for the afternoon of 4 November. That celebration remains a scheduled event in this account; the longer-term task is sustaining the competitiveness established over the franchise’s first two seasons.