Valkyries Claim First Title as Williams Overcomes Reese's Finals Collapse

Key points

• Golden State Valkyries won the 2026 WNBA Finals 4-3, claiming their first franchise championship.
• Gabby Williams was named Finals MVP after scoring 30 points, including 28 in the second half, and recording four blocks.
• Angel Reese finished with eight points on 3-of-7 shooting and 12 rebounds, scoring just one point in the fourth quarter.
• The Valkyries rallied from a 37-28 deficit in the third quarter to take the lead for good with 2:18 remaining.
• Both teams left the court during the national anthem for all seven games of the series.

Background

The 2026 WNBA Finals featured a dramatic swing in momentum. The Atlanta Dream initially held a 2-1 series lead, fueled by Angel Reese’s dominant performances in Games 2 and 3, where she combined for 51 points and 28 rebounds. However, the Golden State Valkyries won the next two games, forcing a Game 7. In Game 6, the Dream won 80-69 to force the decider, but Reese continued to struggle with shooting efficiency. This Game 7 marked the conclusion of the 2026 season and the Valkyries' first championship in their second season.

How outlets are covering it

OutKick emphasized Angel Reese's struggles, noting she committed more turnovers than she made field goals in four consecutive games and scored only one point in the fourth quarter of Game 7. The Detroit News highlighted the Valkyries' resilience, focusing on Gabby Williams' second-half explosion and the team's ability to overcome a nine-point deficit. Both sources agreed on the final score and the significance of Williams' 31-foot three-pointer with 2:18 remaining. OutKick noted Reese's fourth consecutive game with more turnovers than made field goals, while The Detroit News detailed the Valkyries' defensive struggles, including eight shots blocked by the Dream.

Why it matters

The Golden State Valkyries' championship in their second season marks a historic achievement for the franchise. Gabby Williams' performance as Finals MVP underscores her impact on the team's success. For the Atlanta Dream, the loss represents another championship drought, as they have yet to win a title in 19 seasons. The series also highlighted the ongoing debate about player conduct during the national anthem, as both teams left the court for all seven games.

What to watch

The 2026 WNBA season has concluded with the Golden State Valkyries as champions. The Atlanta Dream will likely face scrutiny regarding Angel Reese's performance and the team's overall strategy in the Finals. The Valkyries will celebrate their first championship, while the Dream will prepare for the 2027 season, aiming to break their championship drought.