Gabby Williams is clearly still in disbelief after grabbing her very first title win with the Golden State Valkyries. The franchise as a unit did something truly extraordinary after winning the finals in just their second year of playing in the league.
Moving on to Game 7 against the Dream, for a moment there, it looked like the Valkyries will lose the game right after the second quarter. Golden State was trailing with Williams’ own performance already making Ballhalla quite nervous. But, Williams made a huge comeback in the second half which essentially won the Valkyries their first title.
Williams went on to chalk up a thirty in the game, making her the Finals MVP winner. It was not only because of the baller’s prowess as a player, but it was also because of her coach Natalie Nakase, as per Gabby herself.
“I love moments like this. (Coach) Natalie (Nakase) told me to be patient in the first half. I listened to her.” Gabby Williams said after winning Game 7.
As a sport psychologist, I can’t help but keenly take note of what Gabby Williams actually said here. Firstly, she said that her coach asked her to be patient. Nakase could have easily asked Williams to be faster and more aggressive on the court. Natalie asking Williams to “be patient” and that too, during the Finals of all, showed just how much expertise the coach has.
Secondly, Williams said that she “listened” to her coach. Obedience is an underrated trait among athletes, especially today. Williams here showed why obeying a superior and trusting them matters so much, even if you don’t necessarily agree with them.
Gabby Williams & Valkyries Title Win Gets Steph Curry’s Attention
Gabby Williams bagging the WNBA trophy with the Valkyries has got the entire sports world talking. In fact, Steph Curry could not help but share a congratulatory message for the Golden State franchise on his Instagram.
“Another one for the Bay! Congrats to the entire @valkyries squad and @gabbywilliams on WNBA Finals MVP! Big time!” Steph Curry wrote in his Instagram Story post.
Curry has plenty of reason to openly praise the Valkyries, consider the franchise is a sister unit of the Golden State Warriors. Still, it is clear that Curry was absolutely impressed by what the Valkyries did this season, just like many others including Tyrese Haliburton.
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