Golden State Warriors owner Joe Lacob has declared that Gabby Williams’ Game 7 performance for the Golden State Valkyries was “greater than” the iconic clutch displays of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. Following the Valkyries’ decisive victory over the Atlanta Dream in the 2026 WNBA Finals, Lacob praised Williams for etching her name into Bay Area history. The owner’s bold comparison highlights the magnitude of Williams’ contribution, positioning her Game 7 heroics as a defining moment that rivals the legendary moments of the NBA’s most successful era.
Key Match Highlights & Tactical Analysis
Williams’ path to Finals MVP was defined by a historic second-half explosion. Entering halftime with just two points on the board, she erupted for 28 more in the final two quarters, finishing with a game-high 30 points, three rebounds, and two assists. This dramatic turnaround was instrumental in securing the championship for the Valkyries, showcasing Williams’ ability to take over high-stakes games. Her performance not only silenced the Dream but also cemented her status as the franchise’s new face and the league’s premier closer.
The comparison to Curry and Thompson underscores the depth of talent in the Bay Area’s basketball legacy. While Curry’s 52-point outburst in Game 4 of the 2022 NBA Finals and Thompson’s 37-point performance in Game 6 of the 2016 Western Conference Finals remain etched in NBA lore, Lacob argues that Williams’ comeback in the 2026 WNBA Finals surpasses these benchmarks. This statement signals a shift in focus for the region, acknowledging that the Valkyries’ rise has produced a performance of equal or greater significance to the Warriors’ four-championship dynasty.
Source: Yahoo Sports
