The Atlanta Dream and the Golden State Valkyries kicked off their first WNBA Finals matchup with a highly physical game that the Valkyries ultimately won, bringing an end to Atlanta’s Cinderella run. The Dream led 5-0 in the playoffs before suffering their first loss, but the conversation after Game 1 focused on their physicality, especially after Gabby Williams was spotted limping in the fourth quarter.

With Game 1 now in the books, NFL reporter James Boyd and WNBA reporter Robin Lundberg did not hold back in calling out what they viewed as questionable plays from the Dream, including one that left Williams on the floor.

“Dirty play,” Boyd wrote on X. “The Dream got away with several borderline dirty plays in this game,” Lundberg pointed out.

The incident involving Williams occurred with 2:15 left on the clock in the fourth quarter. The Valkyries forward was at the free-throw line after a shooting foul by Rhyne Howard and converted both attempts to cut Atlanta’s lead to 64-63. However, immediately after Williams released her second free throw, Jordin Canada moved toward her to establish rebounding position. Canada made contact with Williams around her thigh area, causing the Valkyries star to fall to the floor.

As the basket counted and play continued, Canada turned to run toward the other end of the court but tripped over Gabby Williams, who was still down behind her. And moments later, Williams was seen limping and grimacing while holding her left knee.

But with a championship on the line and an opportunity to make history, the Valkyries star continued playing and helped her team secure a 68-64 victory. Williams finished with 26 points, four rebounds and two assists. Her performance marked the fourth-highest scoring total by a player making her WNBA Finals debut.

Following the game, Gabby Williams was asked about the apparent injury but played down any concerns about its severity.

“No, I’m ok. It was a long physical game, but I’m ok,” she said.

There is no clear evidence that Canada deliberately intended to hurt Williams, but the sequence raised several eyebrows because it wasn’t the only physical incident in the series opener.

Angel Reese also found herself at the center of several contentious moments, with the Dream forward’s physical approach drawing scrutiny as the officials allowed play to continue without calling fouls on the sequences in question.

During one possession, Valkyries guard Veronica Burton drove toward the basket for a layup. Reese stepped in with both hands raised to challenge the attempt, but her arm made forceful contact with Burton, who went straight to the floor clutching her face. No foul was called on the play.

Reese was also involved in a physical exchange with Gabby Williams, which left the 30-year-old holding her face, yet the officials again allowed play to continue without a foul.

Yet, even with all the physicality Atlanta brought, the Valkyries managed to withstand the pressure and maintain their advantage over the Dream this season.

Golden State has now won all four of its matchups against Atlanta this season, including three victories during the regular season. The Game 1 result extended that unbeaten run and gave the Valkyries an early advantage in the Finals.

Several of Atlanta’s key players struggled to make their usual impact. Canada was limited to just eight points, while Reese went scoreless in the second half. Howard also came dangerously close to fouling out, and veteran DeWanna Bonner finished with only two points.

The Valkyries’ offensive production was hardly dominant, either. Williams was the only Golden State player to finish in double figures, meaning the team had little scoring support beyond its standout performance. Yet, despite those limitations, the Valkyries found a way to grind out a four-point win.

This result now puts Golden State in a strong position as it looks to build an advantage over the first two games of the seven-game series, both of which are being played on its home court. The Valkyries have already taken the first step toward doing so, but Atlanta will have an opportunity to respond.

The next game will take place on October 19, and the Dream will look to bring the offensive aggression they lacked today as they attempt to even the series.

The post “Dirty Play”: NFL and WNBA Reporters Unite Over Dream Star’s Conduct Following Painful Collision With Gabby Williams appeared first on EssentiallySports. Add EssentiallySports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.