The Golden State Valkyries captured their first WNBA championship in just the franchise’s second season, defeating the Atlanta Dream 68-63 in a tense, historic game seven at San Francisco’s Chase Centre.
The Saturday showdown marked the league’s first-ever finals game seven, drawing intense competition and highlighting Australian talent on both sides of the court. For Opal Miela Sowah, the victory secured her place in Australian basketball history as she joined the elite roster of previous championship winners from her home country, including Lauren Jackson, Penny Taylor, and 2023 champion Cayla George.
Although Sowah did not take the court due to her player development contract status rendering her ineligible for the postseason, she remained a vocal, active presence on the sidelines. Her courtside energy helped fuel teammate Gabby Williams, who delivered a historic individual performance. Williams posted 30 points and four blocks, with 28 of those points coming in the second half alone—setting a new WNBA finals record for the most points scored by a player in a single half.
Former Bendigo Spirit star Veronica Burton also contributed significantly to Golden State’s championship effort, recording a double-double with 10 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists.
On the opposing side, fellow Australian Izzy Borlase experienced the agony of defeat as the Atlanta Dream missed a golden opportunity to secure the franchise’s first title. The 22-year-old guard made an impact off the bench, tallying eight points and two rebounds across 14 minutes of action.
Borlase’s most notable moments arrived in the second half, highlighted by a composed three-pointer in the third quarter that halted a 6-0 Valkyries run, followed by a aggressive drive to the basket in the final period that earned her a three-point play. Despite the game seven loss, the appearance capped a remarkable breakout year for Borlase, who earlier claimed the WNBL’s youngest MVP honor in 15 years, debuted at the Women’s World Cup with the Opals, and logged her inaugural minutes in the American league.
