Five years. That was the timeline Golden State Valkyries owner Joe Lacob envisioned for the expansion franchise to win a WNBA championship. Under head coach Natalie Nakase, the Valkyries needed just two seasons. But the road to that championship was anything but easy. In a winner-take-all Game 7, the Valkyries entered halftime trailing before mounting a second-half comeback to secure the championship.
The Valkyries opened the Finals with a narrow 68-64 victory over Atlanta, but the Dream quickly responded. Behind a dominant 30-point, 16-rebound performance from Angel Reese, Atlanta evened the series in Game 2 before taking a 2-1 lead with a 97-71 victory in Game 3.
Golden State answered with back-to-back wins in Game 4 and 5, relying on its defense to limit Atlanta to just 62 and 55 points, respectively. With a 3-2 series lead, the Valkyries had an opportunity to secure the championship on Atlanta’s home court. However, the Dream refused to let their season end, earning an 80-69 victory in Game 6 to force a winner-take-all Game 7.
Golden State jumped out to an early 8-0 lead, holding Atlanta scoreless through the opening minutes. The Valkyries established their defensive presence early, recording four blocks in the first quarter. However, Atlanta quickly responded with a run of their own to cut into the deficit. At the end of the first quarter, Golden State held a narrow 14-12 lead.
Atlanta found its offensive rhythm in the second quarter, outscoring Golden State 18-10. Guard Jordin Canada led the charge, scoring 11 points in the second quarter and 13 in the first half. Meanwhile, Golden State struggled offensively, shooting just 9-of-30 from the field. The Valkyries entered halftime trailing 30-24.
Valkyries forward Gabby Williams, who recorded just two points in the first half, helped spark the Valkyries’ comeback by scoring on a drive to open the second half. Williams erupted for 15 points in the third quarter alone, knocking down three consecutive 3-pointers to bring Golden State back into contention. Golden State’s defense also stepped up, recording seven blocks as the team chipped away at Atlanta’s lead. The Valkyries outscored Atlanta 21-14 in the third quarter to take a 45-44 lead heading into the fourth quarter.
Throughout the fourth quarter, Atlanta and Golden State traded baskets, with neither team able to establish a comfortable lead. Dream guard Rhyne Howard tied the game at 57 with a layup at 2:41 remaining. Williams responded with a clutch 3-pointer to put Golden State ahead, followed by two free throws to help the Valkyries extend their lead with a seven-point scoring run. Dream guard Allisha Gray knocked down a 3-pointer and added two free throws to keep Atlanta within reach. With just 5.1 seconds remaining, Valkyries guard Veronica Burton converted two free throws to seal the 68-63 victory.
Golden State’s championship victory also marked a milestone for UConn women’s basketball. The four former Huskies on the Valkyries’ roster — Williams, Tiffany Hayes, Kiah Stokes and Kaitlyn Chen — each added a WNBA championship to their resumes, continuing the winning tradition they established in Storrs. Williams earned Finals MVP honors after delivering a dominant 30-point performance in Game 7, while Stokes captured her fourth career WNBA championship. With her latest title, Stokes joined former UConn greats Sue Bird and Maya Moore among the program’s most decorated WNBA champions.
What began as a five-year goal became a reality in just two seasons. Through a resilient postseason run and a championship-clinching Game 7 comeback, the Valkyries established themselves as WNBA champions. For Nakase, Lacob and the players who helped build the expansion franchise, the title represents the culmination of a vision that came to fruition far sooner than expected. For the four former Huskies, it adds another championship chapter to a legacy that continues to extend from Storrs to the professional stage.