Valkyries play without regrets, beat Dream to even Finals - ESPN

ATLANTA — The Golden State Valkyries spent the last 48 hours challenging themselves to reclaim their identity and be the version of themselves that propelled them to the Finals. Just before Game 4 tipped off Saturday afternoon, Gabby Williams offered one last reminder.

«Don't have any regrets,» she told them.

They didn't, as the Valkyries beat the Atlanta Dream 67-62 to tie the series at 2-2.

Just two days ago, Golden State looked like they were out of answers for the Dream, losing by 20 in Game 3. The Valkyries' biggest complaint was one of self-reflection: they didn't have any fight.

After that game, before even exiting the court, Williams huddled her team up and gave an impassioned pep talk. She said she needed to give her team a different kind of leadership — one that was rooted in a fiery disposition, rather than Williams' usual laid-back demeanor.

But that speech didn't just motivate her team for Game 4; it motivated herself.

«I didn't like my last game, so stepping up in that (leadership) role made me step up individually,» Williams said. «If I want to lead this team, I have to be the one that sets the tone. I have to lead by example, as well. That motivated me to set the tempo today and start off the game with a lot of aggressiveness.»

Williams finished Game 4 with a team-high 17 points, along with three assists and three steals. It's the second highest-scoring game of her career without a made 3-pointer, finishing 0-6 on 3-point attempts.

«We watch (Williams), we follow her and whenever she has to give her emotions, that's OK too,» Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase said. «It's good to be fiery and also lead by example.»

The Valkyries entered Game 4 desperately wanting to throw the first punch — something they