WNBA Finals Game 1 winners and losers: Valkyries’ defense stifles the Dream and Angel Reese

The Golden State Valkyries held off the Atlanta Dream, 68-64, in Game 1 of the 2026 WNBA Finals on Saturday. The Valkyries shot just 25% from the floor in fourth quarter, but they outscored the Dream 17-8 in the final frame. It's the first-ever WNBA Finals win for the Valkyries, who are playing for the title in just their second season as a franchise.

The Dream dominated in the first quarter, racing out to a 22-14 lead behind 11 points by Angel Reese, who finished the game with 14 points and 12 rebounds. But Golden State had an uncharacteristically explosive second quarter, winning the frame 28-17, and stepped up their top-ranked defense big time in the second half to turn the game into a scrappy battle of wills.

The Valkyries sealed the game with four free throws in the final 30 seconds and a huge rebound by Kaila Charles. Game 2 will take place on Monday night at the Chase Center.

Here are the winners and losers from a tense Game 1:

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Original source: https://www.cbssports.com/