Swish Appeal
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Now a WNBA Finals MVP, Gabby Williams has had an improbable, irreplicable rise to superstardom
Gabby Williams, the surprise WNBA Finals MVP, has completed a meteoric rise from a defensive specialist to a scoring powerhouse. Drafted fourth overall by Chicago in 2018, she bounced between the Sky, Seattle Storm and Olympic duties with France, missing the 2021 and 2024 WNBA seasons. After overcoming injuries and a low‑efficiency three‑point record, Williams broke the 30% mark and averaged double‑digit points for the first time in 2025. Signing with the Golden State Valkyries in 2024, she led them to a championship, earning the MVP as the league’s new 30‑point scorer. Her journey—two NCAA titles at UConn, an Olympic silver, and a dramatic role shift—shows how a once‑undervalued role player became a No. 1 option.
NCAAW gameday discussion: Women’s college basketball is back! Let us know who you’re watching on opening day
The 2026-27 women’s college basketball season officially kicks off with a high‑profile Paris doubleheader: No. 1 South Carolina faces No. 20 Maryland at 12 p.m. ET on ESPN, followed by No. 21 Oklahoma versus No. 12 North Carolina at 2:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2. The Gamecocks, loaded with returners and newcomers, are expected to dominate Maryland, while Oklahoma’s sophomore guard Aaliyah Chavez—now on the Naismith Trophy watch list—heads a tight contest against a defensive‑minded UNC squad that hopes freshman Kate Harpring can repeat her 29‑point debut. Fans are invited to share their opening‑day picks and upset predictions in the comments.
Why these four comeback players could define the 2026-27 women’s college basketball season, beginning with JuJu Watkins’ return for USC
Four women’s college basketball stars are poised for breakout comeback seasons in 2026‑27, headlined by USC’s JuJu Watkins. The former All‑American returns on Nov. 2 against UNLV after tearing her ACL in March 2025, rejoining a No. 3‑ranked Trojan squad featuring Jazzy Davidson and freshman Saniyah Hall. Her performance could shape the season’s narrative and spark WNBA draft buzz ahead of the Nov. 15 lottery. South Carolina’s 6‑foot‑3 forward Ashlyn Watkins, also recovering from an ACL tear, aims to boost the Gamecocks’ defense after limited minutes but high block rates. The article also previews other returnees at Tennessee, highlighting how these athletes could elevate their programs and their pro prospects.
Tons of women’s college basketball stars will be suiting up for new teams for the 2026-27 season, but these three transfers are the most interesting
The transfer portal reshapes women’s college basketball, and three moves stand out. Center Audi Crooks, a 25.8‑point scorer at Iowa State, joins Oklahoma State’s Cowgirls, pairing with 22.5‑point guard Liv McGill in a historic duo that could give the OSU program its first pair of 20‑point alumni in a single game. Coach Jaci Hoyt must balance Crooks’ offensive firepower against defensive limits as the team faces early‑season tests against South Carolina and Oklahoma. The article also hints at other notable transfers, like Talaysia Cooper from Ole Miss, but Crooks’ impact on OSU’s Big 12 push and her WNBA prospects make her the most intriguing arrival.
Led by the heroics of Finals MVP Gabby Williams, the Golden State Valkyries capture a historic WNBA championship
The Golden State Valkyries clinch their first WNBA title in a Game 7 upset over the Atlanta Dream, winning 68-63 on November 1, 2026. Finals MVP Gabby Williams erupts for 30 points, leading a defensively gritty series where the Valkyries shot 38% and the Dream 33%. Contributions also come from Kiah Stokes (8 points, 13 rebounds) and Tiffany Hayes (11 points). Expansion franchise head coach Natalie Nakase and the front office celebrate becoming the fastest new team to capture a championship in just their second season. The win marks a milestone for the league’s 30th season and cements Golden State as a model franchise.
WNBA Finals Game 7 discussion: What will determine if the Golden State Valkyries or Atlanta Dream become first-time champions?
On October 31, 2026, the Golden State Valkyries host the Atlanta Dream in the WNBA's first ever Game 7, a winner‑take‑all showdown for each franchise's inaugural title. Historically, home teams win 11 of 13 decisive games, giving the Valkyries a statistical edge, especially with the Chase Center's booming "Ballhalla" atmosphere. Yet the series’ six games show shooting efficiency as the key predictor—five victories went to the higher‑shooting team. Star performances will be decisive: Golden State looks to Gabby Williams, while Atlanta leans on Rhyne Howard, Angel Reese and Veronica Burton. The game airs at 8 p.m. ET on USA Network and Peacock.
By leading the Atlanta Dream to a Game 7 win in the WNBA Finals, Angel Reese can silence her critics—forever
Angel Reese steers the Atlanta Dream to a decisive 80-69 Game 7 win over the Golden State Valkyries, clinching the franchise’s first WNBA title and cementing her legacy. The former No. 7 pick, a 2024 All‑Rookie, three‑time All‑Star, 2026 Defensive Player of the Year, and FIBA World Cup champion, posted 30 points and 16 rebounds in Game 2 and kept the Dream alive after back‑to‑back losses. Amid venue chaos and a weekday noon tip‑off, Reese’s quiet focus silences critics and puts her in contention for Finals MVP.
Ahead of Game 7 of the 2026 WNBA Finals at Ballhalla, it’s important to celebrate why San Francisco residents are diehard women’s basketball fans
Game 7 of the 2026 WNBA Finals will tip off Saturday at Ballhalla, and the Golden State Valkyries hope their sold‑out, 18,064‑seat home crowd gives them the edge over the Atlanta Dream. The Valkyries boast a 17‑5 home record this season, a 14‑8 Chase Center record last year and a 6‑2 playoff mark, making Ballhalla the loudest arena in the league. Beyond the stats, the article explains how San Francisco’s historic LGBTQIA+ culture and progressive politics have forged a passionate fan base that embraces the WNBA’s inclusive ethos—over 25% of players are openly gay. This synergy fuels a unique, supportive atmosphere that could decide the championship.
The 2026-27 women’s college basketball season is about to begin, and these are the five most-intriguing freshmen
The 2026‑27 women’s college basketball season kicks off with 24 five‑star freshmen, but five stand out. USC’s Saniyah Hall joins fellow No. 1 recruits JuJu Watkins and Jazzy Davidson, debuting with 23 points in a preseason scrimmage and promising to form a potent “Big 3” under coach Lindsey Gottlieb. South Carolina’s 6‑foot‑3 dunking forward Oliviyah Edwards, a de‑committed Tennessee recruit, arrives alongside senior stars Chloe Kitts and Ashlyn Watkins, offering a potential modern‑Alyssa Thomas blend in Dawn Staley’s defense‑first system. UNC’s Kate Harpring is highlighted as a guaranteed scorer, while two additional high‑profile newcomers round out the list. Their impacts will shape each program’s chase for the 2027 national title.
WNBA Finals photo essay: How Atlanta and the Dream came alive on Thursday afternoon for a celebratory Game 6 win
The Atlanta Dream clinch a dramatic Game 6 win over the Golden State Valkyries at State Farm Arena, forcing the first-ever WNBA Finals Game 7 on Saturday in San Francisco. Angel Reese rallies fans, noting the packed 12:30 p.m. crowd fueled the team's hot start, while photographer Christina Merrion captures the vibrant atmosphere in a striking photo essay.
The Atlanta Dream forced the first Game 7 in WNBA Finals history by dominating the Golden State Valkyries in Game 6
The Atlanta Dream stave off elimination by routing the Golden State Valkyries 80-69 in Game 6 of the 2026 WNBA Finals, forcing the league’s first ever Game 7. Atlanta ignites early with a 32‑point first quarter – the series’ highest – and hits 13 threes, led by Allisha Gray’s 23 points (5‑for‑7 from deep) and Rhyne Howard’s 21 points on 54% shooting. Angel Reese adds a double‑double (15 points, 14 rebounds) as the Dream builds a 25‑point lead and never looks back. Golden State’s top scorer, Gabby Williams, posts 26 points, but the Valkyries fall short. Game 7 moves to San Francisco on Oct. 31 at 8 p.m. ET.
Who’s the real MVP? Ranking the WNBA Finals MVP candidates from the Golden State Valkyries and Atlanta Dream ahead of Game 6
Ahead of Game 6 of the 2026 WNBA Finals, the Golden State Valkyries lead the Atlanta Dream 3-2. Swish Appeal ranks each team's top MVP candidates, emphasizing that Finals MVP should reward winning contributions only. Valkyries front‑runner Kiah Stokes posts a 23.3 per‑game stat score in victories, anchoring defense on Angel Reese and shooting 61% from the field. Gabby Williams follows with a 26‑point Game 1 burst, while Veronica Burton and Tiffany Hayes round out the Valkyries' list. For Atlanta, Angel Reese dominates with a 48.5 stat score, 30 points and 16 rebounds in Game 2 and 21 points with 12 rebounds in Game 3, ahead of Jordin Canada. The piece invites fans to weigh in on the MVP race as the series heads toward a potential Game 7.
WNBA Finals Game 6 discussion: To achieve her championship ambition, can DeWanna Bonner help the Atlanta Dream stay alive against the Golden State Valkyries?
Game 6 of the 2026 WNBA Finals kicks off at 12:30 p.m. ET in Atlanta, and the Dream’s last‑year acquisition DeWanna Bonner faces a do‑or‑die moment against the Golden State Valkyries. After joining the Dream late in the season, Bonner helped Atlanta sweep Washington and New York, shooting 50% overall and 47% from three in limited minutes. In the semifinals she posted 23 points and 13 rebounds in Game 1, but her production has slipped in the Finals, with no double‑digit scores in five games. The article debates whether her veteran poise, 17‑year career and experience juggling motherhood can spark a comeback and force a Game 7.
Yes, Game 6 of the WNBA Finals is starting early. So, what should we expect from the Golden State Valkyries and Atlanta Dream?
Game 6 of the 2026 WNBA Finals between the Golden State Valkyries and Atlanta Dream will tip off at 12:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, Oct. 29, in State Farm Arena—a move meant to accommodate 17,000 fans instead of the Dream’s usual 3,500‑seat venue. The early start, driven by the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks schedule, raises concerns about reduced TV viewership and potential performance dips, especially for the West‑coast Valkyries who face a 9:30 a.m. PT start. After a defensively‑driven Game 5 won by the Valkyries 9 points, analysts fear the schedule shift could lead to “half‑asleep” hoops and lower shooting percentages. The article weighs the fan‑experience boost against possible competitive disadvantages.
Why Houston Comets, Portland Fire and Washington Mystics fans should be encouraged by early EuroLeague Women action
While the WNBA Finals dominate headlines, the early EuroLeague Women and EuroCup Women games offer a hopeful glimpse for fans of the Houston Comets, Portland Fire and Washington Mystics. Young stars Leïla Lacan (Fenerbahçe) tallied 17 points on 58% shooting in a 88-69 win over Valencia, then posted a modest nine points in a 101-51 blowout, showing defensive promise with five steals. teammate Nell Angloma added 13 points, 10 rebounds and perfect free‑throw shooting in her second EuroLeague start. Portland’s rookie Frieda Bühner scored 14 points in a 76-55 opening win for ZVVZ USK Praha and followed with 17 points, three 3‑pointers, against Lotto AZS. These performances suggest the 2027 WNBA season could see these players return with sharper offensive tools and valuable international experience.
After a significant front office shake up, what’s next for the Indiana Fever? And what will franchise’s decisions reveal about the team’s future?
The Indiana Fever’s front office undergoes a shake‑up after a first‑round playoff exit. President Kelly Krauskopf steps down, and GM Amber Cox is fired, while head coach Stephanie White is expected to stay on. The changes follow an in‑depth Athletic exposé that highlights a clash between intense fan scrutiny, harassment incidents, and the franchise’s ambitions anchored by star Caitlin Clark and a $78 million practice facility. Players like Kelsey Mitchell and Brianna Turner pushed back on Cox’s defense of the fanbase, underscoring internal tensions. The moves signal how the Fever will address cultural and competitive challenges heading into the next season.
With a defensive masterclass, the Golden State Valkyries controlled Game 5 of the WNBA Finals, earning a 3-2 series over the Atlanta Dream
The Golden State Valkyries clinch a 64-55 win in Game 5 of the 2026 WNBA Finals, seizing a 3-2 series lead over the Atlanta Dream. A defensive showcase — Veronica Burton posts 13 points, eight rebounds and four blocks, while Kiah Stokes adds 13 points, eight rebounds and three blocks — holds Atlanta to its lowest‑scoring game of the year. Rhyne Howard leads the Dream with 20 points, but Angel Reese struggles with foul trouble, finishing with seven points and 15 rebounds. Coach Natalie Nakase credits relentless pressure on every offensive set. Game 6 heads to State Farm Arena, where the Dream fight to stay alive.
WNBA Finals Game 5 discussion: Can the Atlanta Dream unlock Angel Reese, or will the Golden State Valkyries keep her locked down?
The WNBA Finals are tied 2-2 as Game 5 looms, and all eyes are on Angel Reese. When the Atlanta Dream lets Reese dominate—especially from three-point range—they go 15‑0, but Golden State Valkyries have shut her down in Games 1 and 4 thanks to tight rim protection from Kiah Stokes and a disciplined scheme from coach Natalie Nakase. Dream coach Karl Smesko must decide whether to flood Reese with the ball or use the double‑team attention to create scoring chances for teammates like Naz Hillmon. Meanwhile, Nakase vows to keep Reese “locked down” again. The showdown starts Monday at 8 p.m. ET on USA Network/CNBC, and the outcome may hinge on Reese’s ability to get hot from downtown.
Ahead of Game 5 of the WNBA Finals, do the Golden State Valkyries or Atlanta Dream have the advantage?
With the 2026 WNBA Finals tied 2-2, Game 5 at the Chase Center could tip the scales. The Golden State Valkyries regained home‑court advantage by winning Game 4, highlighted by Gabby Williams' 17 points and Angel Reese's subdued eight‑point effort. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Dream have out‑scored the Valkyries in nine of the 16 quarters, boasting four 10‑plus‑point scorers—Reese, Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard and Jordin Canada. Though the Dream have proven they can win on the road, the Valkyries' home environment and recent adjustments give them the edge heading into the winner‑take‑all matchup.
WNBA Finals photo essay: A behind-the-scenes look at the pregame preparations before Game 4 in State Farm Arena
A photo essay by Swish Appeal’s Christina Merrion takes readers behind the scenes of the WNBA Finals pregame routine before Game 4 at State Farm Arena. While the Golden State Valkyries held the Dream to a 2‑2 tie, Merrion documents players’ warm‑ups, locker‑room moments, and the NBC crew’s setup, offering a visual glimpse of the stakes and atmosphere despite the Dream’s loss.
In Game 4 against the Atlanta Dream, the Golden State Valkyries rediscovered their grit to tie the WNBA Finals at 2-2
The Golden State Valkyries beat the Atlanta Dream 67-62 in Game 4 of the 2026 WNBA Finals, tying the series 2‑2. Veronica Burton delivered the clutch mid‑range jumper and sealed the win with a free throw in the final seconds, while Angel Reese struggled, shooting 2‑for‑12 and committing six turnovers. Atlanta’s 17 turnovers (14 in the first half) and nine missed free throws proved costly. Coach Natalie Nakase’s lineup tweak—starting Tiffany Hayes and Kaila Charles—underscored the team's egoless culture, and bench player Cecilia Zandalini contributed 10 points and three steals in limited minutes. The win restores Golden State’s confidence heading into Game 5.
The All-WNBA First and Second Teams have, finally, been announced
The WNBA announces its 2026 All‑WNBA First and Second Teams, featuring the league’s top ten MVP ballot finishers. First Team honors 2026 MVP A’ja Wilson (Las Vegas Aces) alongside Breanna Stewart (New York Liberty), Olivia Miles (Minnesota Lynx), Kelsey Mitchell (Indiana Fever) and Caitlin Clark (Indiana Fever). The Second Team includes Angel Reese and Rhyne Howard (Atlanta Dream), Jackie Young (Las Vegas Aces), Paige Bueckers (Dallas Wings) and Shakira Austin (Washington Mystics). Notably, the Golden State Valkyries, the Finals opponents, receive no nods, and only four honorees (Reese, Howard, Wilson, Young) advance past the first playoff round, highlighting a split between regular‑season accolades and postseason success.
In the WNBA Finals, the Atlanta Dream have exposed the ‘weak link.’ Can the Golden State Valkyries counter in Game 4?
The Atlanta Dream leads the 2026 WNBA Finals 2‑1 and faces Golden State Valkyries in Game 4 on Saturday at 1 p.m. ET (NBC/Peacock). Angel Reese has delivered three straight Finals double‑doubles, including a 30‑point, 16‑rebound effort in Game 2, while Kiah Stokes remains Golden State’s sole stopper, posting 11 rebounds and three blocks in consecutive games. The Dream’s game plan exploits Stokes by forcing her to guard Reese, opening lanes for Rhyne Howard, Allisha Gray and Jordin Canada, while the Valkyries must shuffle defenses without abandoning the rim. A Dream win puts them up 3‑1 with a chance at their first title; a Valkyries victory ties the series and restores home‑court advantage.
WNBA Finals Game 4 discussion: Can the Golden State Valkyries overcome the mental edge established by Angel Reese and the Atlanta Dream?
The article examines how Angel Reese’s fierce mental edge is reshaping the Atlanta Dream’s performance in the 2026 WNBA Finals against the Golden State Valkyries. After a demoralizing Game 1 loss, Reese claims she’s “taking the Valkyries’ confidence” and amplifying her intensity, fueling wins in Games 2 and 3. The piece highlights her statements about setting a higher energy level, her on‑court taunts about the Valkyries being “too small,” and contrasts this with Valkyries star Gabby Williams’ effort to stay positive after a shaky Game 3 semifinal. The core question remains: can the Valkyries overturn the psychological advantage Reese has built?
Angel Reese is the best player in the WNBA Finals. Looking back, should we have expected all this from the Atlanta Dream superstar?
Angel Reese, the former No. 7 pick of the 2024 draft, has turned the Atlanta Dream into a Finals contender, now leading the series 2‑1 over the Golden State Valkyries and earning MVP talk. The former LSU star ranks second in career points per game and tops the league in rebounds (12.6 per game), while also posting a record‑setting 19.4 points per game in the playoffs. After a trade that replaced Brittney Griner, Reese’s dominance—highlighted by a 30‑point game and Defensive Player of the Year honors—has silenced skeptics who doubted her height and shooting range. Her blend of on‑court skill and show‑time flair, alongside growing scoring averages each season, cements her status as the WNBA’s top active player.
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