The Golden State Valkyries claimed a 78-75 win over the Atlanta Dream on Friday, June 26, 2026, at Chase Center, holding firm in a tense final stretch as Gabby Williams led the home side with 16 points and Kiah Stokes supplied the pivotal defensive display in the closing stages.
This was a fixture decided by control, composure and a few decisive moments late on. Golden State did not have one overwhelming scorer, but their balance across the floor proved enough to secure the victory against an Atlanta side that stayed within touching distance all night. The Valkyries opened with a narrow 20-21 first quarter, then tightened up defensively in the second to take a 32-35 deficit and turn it into a one-possession contest by the interval.
The third period followed a similar pattern, with Atlanta leaning on Jordin Canada, who finished with a match-high 23 points, while the Valkyries kept finding answers through collective execution. Golden State entered the fourth quarter down 55-55? No — the home team had in fact wrestled the match level after three, setting up a decisive final 10 minutes. In that closing spell, the Valkyries produced their best offensive quarter of the night with 27 points, just enough to see off a Dream side that continued to pressure from the free-throw line.
While Atlanta reached the line 27 times and converted 23 free throws, the Dream never fully solved Golden State’s interior resistance. That was where Stokes made her mark. Her 13 points were important, but her seven blocks gave the Valkyries a defensive platform that changed possessions and forced Atlanta into tougher looks around the basket. The Dream finished shooting 34.3 percent from the floor, a figure that reflected how difficult many of their attempts became.
Golden State were not especially sharp from long range, making just 5 of 22 from three-point range, but they were the more efficient side overall at 43.5 percent from the floor. Williams’ 16 points set the pace, Tiffany Hayes added five assists to steady the attack, and Janelle Salaun contributed seven rebounds as the Valkyries won enough second-ball moments to stay in front when it mattered most.
Key performers
Gabby Williams led Golden State with 16 points and gave the Valkyries a reliable scoring option throughout the night. Kiah Stokes was arguably the most influential player on the pitchless equivalent of this contest, posting 13 points and seven blocks in a standout two-way display. For Atlanta, Jordin Canada kept the Dream alive with 23 points, while Angel Reese added 12 rebounds to provide a strong presence on the glass.
NerdSports Stat: Golden State won despite making only 22.7 percent from three because the Valkyries paired a plus-5 rebounding edge with seven blocks from Kiah Stokes, helping hold Atlanta to 34.3 percent shooting.
The result lifts the Valkyries to 12-7 overall and strengthens an already impressive home record at Chase Center, where they moved to 9-3. Atlanta slipped to 12-6, missing the chance to build further momentum near the top of the standings. Golden State will feel this was the kind of close fixture that can shape a season, while the Dream will look to respond quickly in their next outing after letting a winnable contest get away late.
Frequently Asked Questions
No goal scorers were recorded for this fixture. Golden State’s leading scorer was Gabby Williams with 16 points, while Atlanta were led by Jordin Canada with 23 points.
Golden State Valkyries 78 – 75 Atlanta Dream.
Golden State improved to 12-7 and bolstered their home standing, while Atlanta fell to 12-6 after missing a chance to gain ground near the top of the league.
Kiah Stokes was the standout performer with 13 points and seven blocks in a decisive defensive display.
