Gabby Williams converted two free throws with 1:18 left to put Golden State ahead, two more with 4.1 seconds to go, and finished with 26 points as the Valkyries held off the Atlanta Dream 68-64 in Game 1 of the WNBA Finals.

Williams scored 16 of her points in the second quarter and no other Valkyries reached double figures as they shot 32.1 per cent and seven of 33 from three-point range.

“We always knew we were going to find a way somehow,” Williams said on the microphone postgame as fans chanted “Gabby! Gabby!”

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Rhyne Howard missed a three-point attempt with 1:09 left, but Angel Reese made a steal moments later.

Naz Hillmon missed from deep, Kiah Stokes missed the first of two free throws with 23.8 seconds left, and then Allisha Gray missed a three with nine seconds left.

Williams stepped up to hit the free throws to seal the victory.

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Game 2 in the best-of-seven series is Monday night back at Chase Center, where the ear-piercing noise from a raucous “Ballhalla” crowd made for the exact hostile environment Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase requested from the home fans.

Watch the WNBA Finals live on Sky Sports. Get the latest Sky Sports deals or stream with no contract on NOW.



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