'I stayed patient': How Finals MVP Gabby Williams made history in Game 7 to fuel Valkyries to WNBA title

Williams had 28 points in the second half alone to power Golden State to a championship in its second year SAN FRANCISCO — The press conference room inside Chase Center was nearly empty 90 minutes before tip-off of the first Game 7 in WNBA history when a restless Gabby Williams addressed a handful of journalists, largely in French. Her few words in English were succinct. "I'm feeling great, I'm feeling excited. I'm ready to have some fun tonight," Williams said. It was standing room only when Williams returned an hour after the final buzzer and walked to the podium, Finals MVP trophy in hand, purple goggles resting atop a backwards hat.

Her grey Golden State Valkyries "WNBA Champions" shirt was soaked with champagne. The fun had just begun. In between, over the most stressful 40 minutes of the season, Williams had delivered one of the greatest performances in WNBA history: 30 points – 28 in the second half – three rebounds, two assists, two steals and four blocks to lead the Valkyries to a 68-63 win and their first championship in franchise history. Her 28 points after the break were the most in a single half in WNBA playoff history, and her 30 points were tied for the most in a winner-take-all Finals game. "I just want to say I'm