Gabby Williams leads Golden State Valkyries to WNBA finals

Gabby Williams propelled the Golden State Valkyries into the WNBA Finals with a decisive defensive play and 16 points against the Las Vegas Aces, setting up a championship series against the Atlanta Dream. The San Francisco franchise, playing its inaugural season in the league, completed a 3-0 series sweep over the defending champions to reach the final stage.

Golden State Sweeps Las Vegas Behind Williams and Thornton

The Golden State Valkyries punched their ticket to the WNBA Finals by defeating the Las Vegas Aces 3-0 in the semifinals, capped by an overtime victory. Guard Gabby Williams sparked the late-game turnaround when she stole the ball from Las Vegas star A’ja Wilson with under two minutes remaining in regulation, sparking a fast break that helped force the extra period.

Williams finished the contest with 16 points, 3 assists, and 3 interceptions, while teammate Kayla Thornton added 18 points and 9 rebounds. Despite a 21-point, 10-rebound performance from five-time MVP A’ja Wilson, the Aces could not withstand a ferocious 17-0 run engineered by the Californiennes in less than six minutes during the third quarter.

French Talent Prepares for the WNBA Championship Stage

The upcoming finals will feature significant French representation on both rosters. Williams, the captain of the French national team who earned silver medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics and the World Cup in Germany, will lead the Valkyries alongside compatriots Janelle Salaün and Aminata Gueye off the bench. Williams is set to appear in her first WNBA Finals series since entering the league.

To capture the championship trophy, the San Francisco newcomers must beat an Atlanta squad powered by Reese and Howard.

More on this story: The Golden State Valkyries reached the WNBA Finals on their second year as an expansion franchise · A'ja Wilson wins fifth WNBA MVP and becomes first to win three consecutively