Gabby Williams delivered a historic performance in the first Game 7 in WNBA history, scoring 30 points to lead the Golden State Valkyries to a 68-63 victory and the franchise’s first championship. The triumph made the Valkyries the fastest expansion franchise to win a championship in North American sports history, achieving the feat in just two seasons.
A Historic Performance in Game 7
Entering the arena hours before tip-off, Williams expressed excitement to journalists before delivering one of the greatest games in league history. She scored 28 of her 30 points in the second half, setting a WNBA playoff record for points in a single half while tying the record for points in a winner-take-all Finals game. Her stat line also included three rebounds, two assists, two steals, and four blocks.
Teammate Kiah Stokes praised Williams after the game as the team’s leader and offensive anchor throughout the season. Owner Joe Lacob had previously predicted a title within the franchise’s first five years when the team was founded in 2023, and he personally helped recruit Williams to San Francisco during her free agency.
Road to the Championship
Williams led the Valkyries in scoring this season with 14.4 points per game, earned a spot on the All-Defensive First Team, and finished as the runner-up for Defensive Player of the Year. During the playoffs, she averaged 21 points per game and set Finals records with 137 total points and 18 steals.
After a slow start for the Valkyries in the third quarter of Game 7, Williams sparked the offense with a flurry of 3-pointers and jumpers. She later scored nine consecutive points in the fourth quarter, capped by a 31-foot shot that secured the lead.
Williams credited teammate Nat for advising her to remain patient when the game was tight. Reflecting on her winding career path that included a draft selection by the Chicago Sky in 2018, stints with the Seattle Storm, and her ultimate arrival in the Bay Area, Williams emphasized the importance of being surrounded by a supportive team culture.
The championship celebrations will continue with a victory parade scheduled down the Embarcadero on Wednesday.
