SAN FRANCISCO — They’re champions.
The Golden State Valkyries beat the Atlanta Dream 68-63 in Game 7 of the WNBA Finals on Saturday night at Chase Center, winning the series four games to three. It is the first WNBA championship in Bay Area history, won by a team in only its second season, on Halloween, in front of the people who filled that building all year.
Ballhalla got its title.
Down six at the half
It didn’t come easy. Atlanta took over the second quarter, 18-10, and went into halftime up 30-24. The Dream led by as many as nine.
Then the Valkyries came out and took the game back. They won the third quarter 21-14 to lead 45-44 going into the fourth. They won the fourth 23-19. At the line, where championships get decided, they made 15 of 16.
Gabby Williams, again
Gabby Williams scored 30 points. She made 10 of 23 shots, four of eight threes and all six of her free throws. She blocked four shots on the other end. Two days after carrying a comeback that fell short in Atlanta, she finished one.
She had help. Veronica Burton, who struggled in Game 6, put up 10 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. Kiah Stokes grabbed 13 rebounds and scored eight. Tiffany Hayes added 11.
Defense won it
Two days earlier, Atlanta made 13 threes. On Saturday it made six, on 30 tries. The Dream shot 33 percent from the floor. Golden State blocked eight shots.
Atlanta played like the champion it nearly was. Jordin Canada led the Dream with 18 points, and Allisha Gray scored 16. Angel Reese pulled down 12 rebounds. It took seven games and everything the Valkyries had to beat them.
What it means
The Valkyries sold out all 22 home games this season. This city showed up before there was a trophy to show up for. Now there is one.
Somewhere in Hunters Point and East Oakland tonight, a girl is shooting on a rusty rim and counting down from five. She just watched it happen in her own city.
Champions. Wear gold.
Final: Golden State Valkyries 68, Atlanta Dream 63. Golden State wins the WNBA Finals, 4-3.
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