The Atlanta Dream have established a significant first-quarter lead over the Golden State Valkyries in Game 1 of the 2026 WNBA Finals, finishing the opening period strongly after overcoming an early deficit. Atlanta outscored Golden State 16-10 in the paint and converted 45% of their field goals, according to The Guardian.
First Quarter Dominance and Valkyries’ Fight Back
The game at Golden State’s home, known as Ballhalla, saw the Dream sprint to a 7-2 lead early on, with an Allisha Gray lay-up, a Naz Hillmon three-pointer, and an Angel Reese lay-up from a Jordin Canada assist. The Valkyries responded as Verona Burton closed the gap to 7-5 with an old-fashioned three-point play. Kaitlyn Chen then banked in a 24-footer for three points, giving Golden State their first lead and extending a run of nine unanswered points, as reported by The Guardian.
Golden State held a 14-11 lead after Chen’s three-pointer with 2:48 remaining in the first quarter, but failed to score again in the period. Atlanta’s Angel Reese took over, scoring nine of the Dream’s final 11 points, including two layups to put Atlanta ahead 15-14, another inside basket, a split pair of free throws, and a driving finger-roll layup with 13.8 seconds left. Allisha Gray also contributed two free throws for Atlanta. The Valkyries’ offensive struggles were evident, shooting just 28.6% from the field and a “miserable” one-for-11 from three-point range, with Gabby Williams missing all four of her attempts. Kiah Stokes, however, supplied three blocked shots for Golden State.
The second quarter began with signs of life from Golden State. Gabby Williams, scoreless in the first quarter, knocked down her first shot of the night, and Kiah Stokes added a bucket inside. Williams continued to perform, adding another three-pointer and a pull-up jumper, while Cecilia Zandalasini chipped in five points. Despite this, Atlanta held firm, with baskets from Isobel Borlase and Rhyne Howard. Allisha Gray answered for Atlanta with seven quick points, including a 28-footer, keeping the Dream in front. DeWanna Bonner, making an immediate impact off the bench, scored a running lay-up, with Verona Burton continuing to carry the scoring load for Golden State. At the first official timeout of the second quarter, the Valkyries were within four points.
UConn Coach Geno Auriemma Backs Golden State Valkyries
UConn head coach Geno Auriemma has openly declared his loyalty to the Golden State Valkyries in the WNBA Finals, as reported by HITC. Auriemma cited the presence of four of his former UConn players on the Valkyries roster – Gabby Williams, Kiah Stokes, Kaitlyn Chen, and Tiffany Hayes – as the reason for his support. He highlighted the “amazing” impact of Gabby Williams on the league, both offensively and defensively, and praised Kiah Stokes for her consistent contribution to winning, noting her ability to block shots, get rebounds, and shut down opponents’ best players. Auriemma joked about the “four to one and a half” ratio of UConn alums on the Valkyries compared to other teams.
WNBA Finals Amid Inclusivity Debate
The WNBA finals tip off amidst a broader discussion concerning inclusivity, particularly regarding transgender athletes. The league finds itself targeted by a “rightwing campaign” pushing to ban trans women and girls from sports, despite there being no explicit rule barring or permitting trans women and no trans women currently playing in the WNBA. The Guardian highlights that the league’s “deeply rooted LGBTQ+ fanbase” is pushing back, transforming arenas and sports bars into “spaces of resistance and solidarity.” Players like the Golden State Valkyries’ Gabby Williams and Chicago Sky’s Natasha Cloud have voiced support for the trans community, with Williams stating in May she would “welcome” a trans teammate. Fans have also actively defended the league’s inclusive spirit through rallies and signs at games, embodying the “pro-trans, pro-Black, pro-queer fanbase” that seeks to uphold the original ethos of women’s sports.
