The Atlanta Dream came into Game 1 of the WNBA Finals riding a massive 10-game winning streak, including five straight in the postseason, but that momentum evaporated into a gut-wrenching 68-64 loss to the Golden State Valkyries on Saturday at Chase Center. This crushing defeat means the Dream’s search for their first WNBA Finals victory continues, now across four Finals appearances in their 18-year history, and they are still winless.
The “Right There” Heartbreak That Stings
Coach Karl Smesko knows the “what-ifs” will haunt him after Game 1. Imagine if Rhyne Howard’s 25-footer had gone down in that one-point game. Or if Naz Hillmon’s attempt from just two feet farther out hadn’t popped right out of the basket. If those shots fall, Smesko is probably talking about making history with the franchise’s first Finals win, not picking apart mistakes. “We were right there. Right there,” Smesko said, and you can practically hear the pain in his voice. “So that’s why it hurts a little bit, but it also motivates us. We know what we’re capable of doing.” The Dream were in it, fighting back late, but the Valkyries clawed their way to a lead with only 1:18 to play and held it tight.
Offensive Struggles and Defensive Clashes Defined Game 1
This Finals opener was everything we expected from a matchup of two elite defenses: messy, sluggish, long, and physical. Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase even had to ask “which one” when asked about a collision involving Gabby Williams, that’s how intense it was! What we didn’t expect was Atlanta’s offense completely disappearing. Their collective 64 points were the worst production of their entire season, even lower than their previous low of 68 against Golden State back in June. An 82.1 offensive rating was close to a season-low, a shock for a team that averaged 91.3 points per game in the regular season, good for third in the league. Angel Reese, even with Allisha Gray back from a hand injury that sidelined her in the semifinals, uncharacteristically struggled, and the defense limited her effectiveness. Even with perimeter specialist Howard and August signing DeWanna Bonner, the Dream simply couldn’t get it going on offense. Smesko praised his team’s defense, saying, “I thought our team defended for the whole game excellent. But when a game is this close, even a couple breakdowns can make the difference.”
Valkyries Showed Clutch Composure When It Mattered Most
While the Dream were usually the offensive powerhouse, the Valkyries averaged a paltry 82.2 points per game, second to last in the league. Yet, it was Golden State who arguably stole the win on their home court. They were behind in the final minutes, but Gabby Williams, whom Nakase called “one of the best players in the world,” stepped up big. Williams herself said the Valks had the Dream “right where we wanted them” despite trailing. Golden State led for only 6:08 total in Game 1, but every single one of those minutes came within the final three minutes of each quarter. That’s clutch. In a series where defenses are set to dominate, it’s going to come down to who maintains composure in those tight, final moments, and the Valkyries did that perfectly in Game 1.
The Dream need to reset fast. Game 2 is coming, and they’ve got to find a way to shake off that offensive slump and finally get that elusive first Finals win. It’s time to show everyone what they are truly capable of.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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