With the WNBA’s two best defenses going against each other, a close Finals Game 1 was expected. It was also already known that some level of physicality would be overlooked as both the franchises vie for their first WNBA title. Saturday at Chase Center, however, turned out to be a whole new ballgame.

Let’s forget the free throw differential that saw Atlanta Dream visit the charity line 13 of their 21 times in the first half itself compared to the Golden State Valkyries’ 5 of 16 in the same span. But the visitors using all sorts of strength against the Valkyries and getting away with it all, including one that just might have put Gabby Williams on the injury list, was simply too out of hand, attracting reactions from entities around the WNBA and the NFL.

“Dirty play,” NFL reporter James Boyd wrote on X.

The incident Boyd reacted to came with 2:15 left in the regulation. 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, while trying to establish rebounding position, made contact with Williams around her thigh area. Already trying to get her footing after the free throw, the Valkyries star was off-balance. Canada stepping into her space ultimately pushed her to the floor. What happened next only made the matter worse.

As the basket counted and play continued, Canada turned to run toward the other end of the court but tripped over Williams, who was still down on the floor behind her. Moments later, Williams was seen limping and grimacing while holding her left knee. There was no call on Canada, despite the game being so close.

Gabby Williams gives her injury update after the Finals Game 1 win

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.

WNBA reporter comments on Atlanta’s free pass from the officials

As I said, a physical game was expected at Chase Center on Saturday. But not many agreed with how much physicality was actually being allowed.

“The Dream got away with several borderline dirty plays in this game,” WNBA reporter Robin Lundberg pointed out.

Apart from Canada, Angel Reese also found herself at the center of several contentious moments. The Dream forward’s physical approach drew scrutiny as the officials allowed play to continue without calling fouls on these sequences in question:

During one possession, Valkyries guard Veronica Burton drove toward the basket for a layup as Atlanta’s Naz Hillmon guarded her from the front. Out of nowhere, however, Reese stepped in with both hands raised to challenge the attempt. She didn’t make any contact with the ball as her hands were way lower, but her arm made forceful contact with Burton, who went straight to the floor clutching her mouth. No foul was called on the play. Then there’s another.

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

“Refs let Angel Reese get away with two blatant fouls, no call,” Lundberg noted at the time as well.

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

What the Dream and the Valkyries need as they prepare for Game 2

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 over the Dream, which came into the matchup with five consecutive postseason wins. 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 after a hot start. 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 performer. 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 Monday, and the Dream will look to bring the offensive aggression they lacked today as they attempt to even the series.