From Being Shown the Door to WNBA Finals MVP: How Gabby Williams Found Her Place With the Valkyries

Before 2026, few saw Gabby Williams as a star. A team player and, as Sophie Cunningham put it, a humble leader who doesn’t hesitate to feed whoever is having an outstanding night, but not a traditional star. Yet, when the final whistle of the WNBA Finals’ first Game 7 sounded, Williams had made the difference, scoring 28 points in the second half, more than any WNBA player ever had. With the Atlanta Dream forcing the series in Game 7, the Valkyries returned to their beloved Ballhalla in a do-or-die game for the championship.