Cobb County's Williams Leads Valkyries to First WNBA Title

San Francisco Valkyries forward Gabby Williams scored 35 points in a 68-63 victory over the Atlanta Dream in Game 7 of the WNBA Finals on Saturday. The win secured the Valkyries their first championship in franchise history during the team's second season of existence. For Williams, a native of Cobb County, the title marks a personal milestone as she guides her team to the league's highest honor.

The Dream entered the final game of the series as heavy favorites, holding a 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven matchup. They had won the first three contests convincingly, including a decisive Game 3 performance. However, the Valkyries mounted a strong comeback, winning the fourth and fifth games to force a decisive sixth and seventh match in Atlanta.

The series concluded at the Dream's home venue in Atlanta. The Dream needed a narrow margin to claim their fourth title and extend their record to 22 championships, the most in WNBA history. The Valkyries needed a steady offensive flow to overcome the home crowd and the Dream's defensive pressure.

Williams dominated the box score with 35 points, leading all players in scoring for the game. She also contributed key stops on the defensive end, limiting the Dream's opportunities in the final minutes. Her performance was the deciding factor as the two teams traded leads throughout the second half.

Dream center Angel Reese recorded 19 points and 13 rebounds in the loss. The Dream's offense stalled in the final quarter, failing to convert crucial rim shots and jump balls that would have kept them alive. The team's inability to secure possession in the closing seconds proved costly against the Valkyries' disciplined defense.

"I know what we thought, we thought they were going to be the ones to take it," Williams said after the game. "But I just knew that we were going to make our shots. We stayed calm and we executed." She noted that the team focused on their preparation rather than the historical weight of the moment.

The Dream's coach acknowledged that the team gave too much away in the final stretch. He stated that the Valkyries played with more intensity in the closing minutes, particularly on the defensive board. The Dream will now return to training camp for the next season, looking to rebound from their first series loss since 2019.

The championship trophy will be presented in a formal ceremony later this week. The Valkyries organization will hold a parade in San Francisco to celebrate the achievement. For the players, the season ends with a historic win that establishes their presence as a competitive force in the league.