All things considered, the Golden State Valkyries have accomplished so much in their brief time in the WNBA. Golden State became the first WNBA expansion franchise to make the postseason in their first year. The first round knocked out the Valkyries last season, but now they are in the Finals. Under head coach Natalie Nakase, they look to finish the job.
In Round One, Golden State defeated the Dallas Wings while taking care of the defending champion Las Vegas Aces via a sweep.
A major key to their success is two-time All-Star forward Gabby Williams. Willams was recently named to the WNBA All-Defensive First Team, finishing second in defensive rating this season (99.5). What’s more, Williams is tied for the second-most steals in the playoffs with 10. Next, guard Veronica Burton and center Kiah Stokes made the All-Defensive Second Team.
Photo credit: John McClellan
Burton was sixth this season in defensive rating (100.6) and second in steal percentage (2.6 percent). As for Stokes, she was second in total blocks per game (74) and in defensive rating (96). Also, Stokes is second this postseason with 12 blocks.
Lastly, forward Janelle Salaün took home the Kia Sixth Player of the Year Award. She was second behind Williams in points per game (12.7), but led Golden State with 93 made three-pointers.
How they Matchup Versus the Atlanta Dream
Looking at their Finals opponent, the Atlanta Dream, it looks even on paper. Here is a closer statistical of their numbers in the regular season (rank in parentheses):
| Golden State | Atlanta | |
| Defensive Rating | 100.6 (1) | 104.5 (2) |
| Opponent Points Per Game | 75.1 (1) | 84.5 (4) |
| Steals | 344 (Tied for 4th) | 399 (1) |
| Opponent Turnovers | 603 (4) | 676 (1) |
Without question, scoring is a key as Williams had led Golden State in the playoffs with 22.7 points per game. For Atlanta, guards Rhyne Howard and Jordin Canada have averaged 19.2 points per game. The Dream’s leading scorer in the regular season, guard Allisha Gray is currently listed as “day-to-day” with a left hand injury.
It is important to note three-time All-Star center Angel Reese is averaging 18 points a game for Atlanta in the postseason.
Additionally, a matchup to look out for is Reese against Stokes in the paint during this series. Game One of the WNBA Finals starts on Oct 17 at the Chase Center in San Francisco, CA.
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