Golden State Valkyries hold on for WNBA Finals Game 1 victory over Atlanta Dream

SAN FRANCISCO — The "defense wins championships" crowd will have a new case study to evaluate after the best-of-seven WNBA Finals series between the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream wraps.

The Valkyries had the best defensive rating during the regular season, while the Dream were third. The Dream led the league in steals per game, while the Valkyries were fourth. The series, as a result, will come down to which team can maintain composure and win the possession battle. In Game 1 on Saturday afternoon, the Valkyries answered the bell with a 68-64 win against the fourth-seeded Dream.

Gabby Williams led the Valkyries with 26 points, while Allisha Gray returned from a hand injury to lead the Dream with 19 points.

The Dream will try to even the series Monday at the Chase Center.

Atlanta Dream, Golden State Valkyries, WNBA