Golden State Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase compared Gabby Williams' second-half performance in Game 7 of the WNBA Finals to Michael Jordan after the All-Star led the franchise to its first championship.

Williams scored 28 of her 30 points after halftime in Golden State's 68-63 win over the Atlanta Dream on Halloween night, helping the Valkyries overcome a six-point halftime deficit to win the championship in their second season.

Asked what she told Williams at halftime, Nakase explained that the coaching staff wanted her to remain patient rather than force scoring opportunities.

“We just said stay patient, and then she just erupted. I mean, she went off,” Nakase said in an interview with ESPNW posted on X, formerly Twitter, via ClutchPoints. “That second half performance was probably the best performance. I mean, it was Michael Jordan's. Like that was amazing. Like, and we just said keep throwing her the rock. Keep throwing her the rock. Yeah, yeah. She closed for us.”

“That performance was probably the best performance. I mean it was Michael Jordan-esque”

Natalie Nakase on Gabby Williams CRAZY 2nd half in Game 7 🗣️

(via @espnW) pic.twitter.com/yPwKypWsL3

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) November 4, 2026

Williams entered halftime with just two points before scoring 15 in the third quarter and another 13 in the fourth. Her 28 second-half points set a WNBA Finals record, and she was subsequently named Finals MVP.

The two-time All-Star finished with three rebounds, two assists, two steals and four blocked shots in 38 minutes. She shot 10-for-23 from the field, including 4-for-8 from beyond the arc, and made all six of her free throws.

Nakase said Golden State initially wanted its other starters to establish the offense while Williams waited for opportunities to attack. The approach ultimately allowed Williams to take over as the game progressed.

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Williams' performance also drew recognition from Jordan himself. Williams said the six-time NBA champion sent her a congratulatory text message Monday, according to ESPN's Kendra Andrews.

Tiffany Hayes contributed 11 points for Golden State, while Veronica Burton recorded a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds.

The Valkyries had taken a 3-2 series lead before Atlanta forced Game 7 with a victory in Game 6. Golden State responded at home, completing a 4-3 series win and securing the franchise's first WNBA title.