WNBA Finals Basketball

Late in games, Gabby Williams starts counting. She constantly computes math in her head, all while handling the pressure of being the one to regularly take big shots for the Golden State Valkyries. Better Williams than coach Natalie Nakase, that’s for sure. She doesn’t do math. The Dream had been outstanding down the stretch during their first two series, both sweeps, to reach the franchise’s fourth finals. Yet Atlanta is still yet to win a finals game. Coach Karl Smesko can’t wait for his team to find a way to bounce back Monday night in Game 2.

Angel Reese had 30 points and 16 rebounds, Allisha Gray added 18 points and the Atlanta Dream stymied Golden State on both ends in the second half, beating the Valkyries 79-65 to even the WNBA Finals at one game apiece. Rhyne Howard set a Finals record with six steals, while Jordin Canada contributed 13 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds as the Dream earned the franchise’s first Finals victory after going winless in three previous trips. They now head home having salvaged a split in front of the boisterous “Ballhalla” crowd at Chase Center. Reese became the third player with at least 30 points and 15 rebounds in a Finals game.