​If you like physical defense, principled coaching, winning margins on the offensive glass and put-a-bow-on-it storylines, I have juuust the Finals matchup for you!The Golden State Valkyries are set to face off against the Atlanta Dream in the 2026 WNBA Finals, which naturally means we’re going to have a first-time champion. In fact, this is the first Finals series not to feature A’ja Wilson (Aces) or Breanna Stewart (Storm or Liberty) in five years, and only the second series without either of them in the last eight. We’re entering unfamiliar waters, folks.A Valkyries win would be gratifying. Consider, among other things: Gabby Williams, having a tremendous postseason run (22.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.8 steals), would win her first title in her first season with a new club.Head coach Natalie Nakase would be a Year 2 champion, fresh off of leading the Valkyries to the playoffs in their inaugural season.Kiah Stokes would add another ring to her collection, while Tiffany Hayes would earn her first.It’d be one heck of a called shot from Joe Lacob, who gave the Valkyries a five-year timeline to win a championship. Five years for an expansion team is ambitious; winning it in the second year of existence? Whew.A Dream win would also be gratifying. Consider, among other things:Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray would earn their first titles together, further cementing them as one of the best wing duos in basketball.Angel Reese would win her first WNBA title, months after being traded from the Chicago Sky.DeWanna Bonner’s departure from Phoenix would pay off, with her being a major contributor en route to her third ring.Head coach Karl Smesko would be a Year 2 champion after making the leap from a storied college coaching career.The storylines are awesome. These fanbases are energized — especially considering the recent news of the Dream being able to secure State Farm Arena for their upcoming home games. And, again, the basketball should be tantalizing.On that front, we’re going to take a look at some of the defining questions of this upcoming matchup.Let’s dig in, shall we?Tale of the tapeGolden State Valkyries (32-12)Regular season: 108.2 ORTG (7th), 99.1 DRTG (1st), +9.1 net rating (1st)Playoffs: 114.0 ORTG, 104.1 DRTG, +9.9 net ratingAtlanta Dream (30-14)Regular season: 111.9 ORTG (4th), 103.5 DRTG (3rd), +8.4 net rating (3rd)Playoffs: 113.2 ORTG, 102.0 DRTG, +11.2 net ratingSeason series: Valkyries 3-0 June 24: Valkyries 77, Dream 66June 26: Valkyries 78, Dream 75July 4: Valkyries 88, Dream 83 (Isobel Borlase in the starting lineup for Atlanta, Naz Hillmon off the bench)Whose perimeter defense will set the tone?This is truly where the fun starts. The Valkyries are headlined by Gabby Williams and Veronica Burton, first and second team All-Defense selections, respectively. Kayla Thornton can be tasked with guarding virtually anyone (more on that later), and Kaila Charles can hound you off the bench.The Dream are headlined by Rhyne Howard