Sports
WNBA Finals preview: Valkyries and Dream guarantee a first-time champion
Golden State and Atlanta both swept their way to the WNBA Finals, which start Oct. 17 in San Francisco and will crown a first-time champion.
The WNBA will crown a first-time champion this year. The Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream meet in the best-of-seven Finals, which begin Saturday, Oct. 17, at Chase Center in San Francisco.
Two sweeps
Both former champions left early. Las Vegas and New York were each swept 3-0 in the semifinals. The No. 2 seed Valkyries took out the Aces and the No. 4 seed Dream beat the Liberty.
What to watch
Golden State brings the league's best defense and a breakout playoff run from Gabby Williams. Atlanta has won 10 straight games behind Angel Reese, Rhyne Howard, Allisha Gray and Jordin Canada.
The Valkyries opened as slight favorites. Both teams get a week off before Game 1, which tips off at 12:30 p.m. Pacific on NBC and Peacock.
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