WNBA Finals Game 1: Valkyries hold off Dream 82-76 to take 1-0 series lead

Golden State strikes first in historic opener

The 2026 WNBA Finals opened with electric intensity on Saturday afternoon at Chase Center in San Francisco as the Golden State Valkyries secured an 82-76 victory over the Atlanta Dream in Game 1. Playing in their first Finals contest in franchise history, the Valkyries withstood a second-half surge from Atlanta to take an early 1-0 advantage in the best-of-seven series.

A capacity crowd of 18,064 watched the Valkyries build a 46-38 halftime lead through rapid ball movement and perimeter shooting. Atlanta responded in the third quarter behind forward Angel Reese, who recorded 19 points and 14 rebounds to pull the Dream within two points at 68-66 midway through the fourth period.

Defensive stops turn the tide late

With the contest hanging in the balance, Golden State clamped down defensively over the final three minutes, forcing three consecutive Atlanta turnovers. Back-to-back driving layups and four flawless free throws in the closing thirty seconds sealed the victory for head coach Natalie Nakase’s squad.

The series remains in San Francisco for Game 2 on Monday 19 October at 8:00 p.m. ET (5:00 p.m. local PT), televised on ESPN. Atlanta will seek a road split before the series shifts to Gateway Center Arena for Games 3 and 4 next weekend.