Golden State wins its first WNBA title in two years
The Golden State Valkyries won Game 7 of the WNBA Finals 68-63, securing their first championship in their second year rather than the five years owner Joe Lacob had targeted. [8] Gabby Williams, who joined Golden State that offseason, was named Finals MVP, while Angel Reese's record Finals rebounding was not enough for Atlanta. [1][8][9]
Why it matters
Golden State turned an expansion-team building project into a championship three years ahead of its owner's stated timetable, with an offseason signing becoming Finals MVP. [8]
Key insights
- Lacob set the five-year championship goal before Natalie Nakase became head coach; the team reached it in two. [8]
- Williams supplied an immediate return on recruitment: ESPN describes her as a difference-maker on both sides of the court, and she finished as Finals MVP. [8]
- The deciding margin was five points despite Reese's record Finals rebounding for Atlanta. [8][9]