The Golden State Valkyries put an end to the Atlanta Dream’s 10-game win streak, defeating Atlanta 68-64 in the first game of the WNBA Finals.
It was a tough start for the Valkyries who looked almost nervous. All star Gabby Williams’ shot was way off. Collectively, the starters missed nine three-point shots before Kaitlyn Chen came off the bench to sink one.
But, as has been the Valkyries’ story all season, their defense kept them in it. Kiah Stokes got her first three blocks early in the first quarter. And the Valks were winning rebounds even against a team with Angel Reese, the best rebounder in the league.
Once the nerves were shaken out, Williams did her thing. She led the team with 26 points. “I was just excited to be here!” Williams said, of her turnaround in the second quarter, as the crowd chanted “Gabby! Gabby! Gabby!”
But a rough third quarter for the Valkyries meant they had to dig themselves out of a hole in the fourth. And dig they did. The Valkyries took the lead with just over a minute to go – thanks to two free throws from Williams. Then, they held on to the buzzer.
Inside Ballhalla the crowd went crazy, decked out in purple shirts provided for each fan and swinging rally towels. They cheered for their favorite Valkyries and dutifully booed the other team with vigor, as directed by Valkyries Head Coach, Natalie Nakase, during a press conference earlier in the week. After a questionable foul called on Tiffany Hayes, it became clear that the fans enjoyed yelling “Refs, you suck!” much more than booing players on the other team.
“People here are so nice,” one Atlanta fan remarked at halftime. “So this is Ballhalla!”
The announcer had to talk fast to welcome all of the celebrities in attendance – from Nneka Ogwumike to Steph Curry to Too $hort, who has been something of a good luck charm for the Valkyries. Comedian W. Kamau Bell was also in the crowd wearing a shirt in support of trans kids.
Bell was not the only one showing support for trans inclusion. Fans were handing out posters from the group Trans Kids Belong that read “STRONGER WHEN WE PLAY TOGETHER” designed with the colors of the trans pride flag. Outside Ballhalla, they set up a table where people could write postcards to voice opposition to a Washington state bill that would require sex verification of student-athletes. That spirit outnumbered the handful of people who showed up in “xx” shirts to oppose trans inclusion.
The Valkyries win means they take the lead in a best of seven series. They are three wins away from being champions.
The Valkyries and Dream face off again at Chase Center on Monday at 5 p.m. For those who can’t make it to Ballhalla, WNBA Rough Notes has you covered with their Ultimate Map of Valkyries Fandom.