Golden State Valkyries emerge as champions in the WNBA for the first time as they beat the Atlanta Dream 68-63 in a Game Seven on Friday.
Outlaw scored 30 points and was named the Finals MVP as the Valkyries won their first-ever title. Gabby Williams was named the Finals MVP after leading the Valkyries to their first championship with 30 points.
She scored 28 second-half points, capped by a three-pointer over the defense with 2:08 remaining to help the Warriors pull away for the win by five.
After the incredible victory, Williams was full of praise for the cohesion and defensive dedication of the team.
‘It’s easy when the energy is this good and positive. I wouldn’t change a thing,’ she said.
Head coach Natalie Nakase also heaped praise on Williams, whom she also declared the closer after her emphatic performances.
The Valkyries took to the pitch in front of over 18,000 fans at the sold-out Chase Center in San Francisco to lift the trophy as champions after being founded in 2024.
The loss for Atlanta was the fourth time in the team’s 18-year history that it had been beaten in a WNBA Finals.
Even after the loss, dream star Angel Reese still believed in the team and said it had the ability to win its dream title.
“I’ve never had more fun with a group,” said Reese. “This is the most competitive team I’ve been on,” Reese added.
“And although we didn’t win today, it doesn’t mean we won’t be champions any day.
