About Our Ads Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 2026 WNBA Finals are finally set to tip off today, and this is shaping up to be an awesome series. The Atlanta Dream head into enemy territory to battle the Golden State Valkyries for Game 1.
There's star talent all over the court and awesome personalities. Dream forward Angel Reese was named Defensive Player of the Year and is never afraid to talk a little trash.
Golden State's Gabby Williams is playing out of her mind and is cementing herself as a superstar in this league. Check out these three key storylines before Game 1 of the WNBA Finals starts.
MORE: 2026 WNBA Finals: 3 key Golden State Valkyries players
WNBA: Playoffs-Atlanta Dream at Washington Mystics Atlanta Dream guard Allisha Gray (15). Credit: Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images.
Allisha Gray had a minor procedure done on her left hand and is considered day-to-day. Gray averaged 19.0 PPG in the regular season. This is a big-time storyline because of how important the former Gamecock is.
Atlanta can't afford to miss Gray for an extended period because the Valkyries have one of the best defenses in the WNBA. The Dream will need the 31-year-old's playmaking ability if they want a chance to win this series.
May 10, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Valkyries forward Gabby Williams (1) smiles after defeating the Phoenix Mercury at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Gabby Williams has been insanely good in the WNBA playoffs. No one has been able to stop her, and now the Dream has to stop her. She's averaging 22.7 PPG, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.0 assists. She will be the #1 player on Atlanta's scouting report because they know she's the head of the snake.
She's a great two-way player and was named to the 2026 WNBA First Team All-Defensive Team.
Atlanta will be attacking Williams all series to try and get her in foul trouble. It will be a great chess battle between the UCONN product and the rest of the Dream.
MORE: Angel Reese highlights manifestation of Atlanta Dream's WNBA Finals berth
WNBA: Chicago Sky at Atlanta Dream Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese (5) Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
You'll be seeing a ton of Angel Reese this year whether you like it or not. She's one of the most polarizing players in the league but also a ferocious competitor. The 2026 D-POY can impact the game on both ends of the floor. Reese is producing 18.0 PPG, 8.8 boards, and 2.2 assists.
Reese has scored 22 points in two straight games while averaging 1.2 steals and 1.6 blocks per contest in the playoffs. She has spice to her game, and it'll be awesome to see how the Valkyries react to a trash talk.
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Source: Sports
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