The Golden State Valkyries completed a season sweep of the Atlanta Dream Today, holding on for an 88-83 win that marked their third victory over Atlanta in the past 11 days. The result extended Golden State’s winning streak to four games and pulled the team within one game of the second place Minnesota Lynx in the standings as they opened a five game road trip.
Veronica Burton led all scorers for Golden State with 21 points, adding five assists while also drawing the defensive assignment of Atlanta’s speedy point guard Jordin Canada, who was held to just seven points. Gabby Williams contributed 19 points and three steals, while Janelle Salaün added 14 off the bench.
A back and forth battle for most of the game
Golden State jumped out to an early 12-2 lead in the first three and a half minutes, but Atlanta clawed back and the Valkyries ended the opening quarter down by three after a quieter stretch of scoring. The first half saw 10 lead changes and a tie before Golden State regained control late in the second quarter, closing the half on a 6-0 run to take a seven point lead into the break.
Despite losing the rebounding battle in the first half, the Valkyries generated nine steals and forced 10 turnovers, keeping Atlanta’s high powered offense from building any real separation. That defensive pressure carried through the rest of the game, with Golden State finishing with 17 forced turnovers that turned into 23 points, an important cushion given that the Valkyries were outrebounded overall and shot a modest 13 of 34 from three point range.
Atlanta pushes back in the second half
The Dream found their footing early in the third quarter, going on a 7-0 run while Golden State endured a scoreless stretch that lasted until Williams connected on a corner three at the 6:07 mark. That surge gave Atlanta a three point lead heading into the fourth quarter, and the Dream continued to apply pressure, reaching the bonus by the six minute mark of the final period.
The Valkyries close it out down the stretch
With the score tied at 77, Burton scored on a backdoor cut to put Golden State back in front with under two minutes remaining. Kaila Charles followed with a corner three to push the lead to five, and after Atlanta’s Rhyne Howard answered with an and one layup, Williams delivered a contested layup of her own to make it an 84-80 game.
Atlanta had one final chance to force overtime trailing by three with 12 seconds left, but Allisha Gray missed a three point attempt from the left wing. Charles sealed the win at the free throw line, sinking two shots with 6.5 seconds remaining. Gray finished with a game high 22 points for Atlanta, while Angel Reese recorded a double double with 17 points and 13 rebounds, and Howard added 19 points, including a three pointer in the closing seconds of regulation.
A milestone week for Gabby Williams
The win capped a big week for Williams, who was named a starter for the WNBA All-Star Game on Thursday, becoming the first player in Valkyries franchise history to earn that distinction. It marked her second career All-Star selection, following an earlier nod last season while playing for Seattle.
Golden State head coach Natalie Nakase praised Williams not just for the achievement itself, but for how she handled the moment, noting that Williams used her time speaking to the team to highlight her teammates and the organization rather than herself. Williams becomes the second player in franchise history to be named an All-Star, following teammate Kayla Thornton’s selection last season.
The Valkyries continue their road trip Monday with a matchup against the Washington Mystics.