The Golden State Valkyries strike first in the 2026 WNBA Finals, defeating the Atlanta Dream 68-64 in a physical, defensive Game 1 battle.
Atlanta looked like it had a real chance to steal this one on the road, but everything fell apart offensively in the fourth quarter. The Dream scored just eight points in the final period, went 2-for-19 from the field and got away from the team basketball that helped get them to the Finals.
Meanwhile, Golden State kept adjusting.
Natalie Nakase turned to Lætitia Amihere after Angel Reese got going early, Gabby Williams bounced back from a rough first quarter to finish with 26 points, and the Valkyries once again showed why their depth is one of their biggest advantages.
Mama joins me for the full Game 1 postgame reaction as we break down Atlanta’s late-game decisions, Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray’s fourth quarter, Angel Reese’s usage, Golden State’s defensive adjustments, the officiating and what both teams need to change before Game 2.
The Valkyries lead the series 1-0. Game 2 is Monday night.
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00:00 Valkyries Take Game 1 of the WNBA Finals
02:55 Atlanta’s Fourth-Quarter Collapse
06:25 Dream Go 2-for-19 in the Fourth
09:13 The Late Fouls That Changed the Game
10:50 Lætitia Amihere Changes Everything
13:52 Gabby Williams Takes Over
17:44 What Happened to Atlanta’s Guards?
19:47 Dream Stop Moving the Basketball
21:14 Natalie Nakase Wins the Adjustment Battle
23:44 Tiffany Hayes Has a Rough Game 1
25:13 Why Did Atlanta Stop Going to Angel Reese?
26:41 Golden State’s Depth Makes the Difference
40:18 Did the Refs Get Game 1 Right?
45:01 Valkyries Fans & Finals Talk
47:33 Cathy Engelbert Commissioner Discussion
52:16 The Biggest Difference Between These Teams
54:09 Valkyries Win 68-64
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