Miela Sowah (second from left) was a vocal presence on the sidelines as her Valkyries claimed the WNBA title. ( Getty Images: Ezra Shaw )
Opal Miela Sowah has etched her name in Australian women's basketball history books as her Golden State Valkyries overcame Izzy Borlase's Atlanta Dream 68-63 to win the WNBA championship.
The 26-year-old entered the league's first-ever game seven at San Francisco's Chase Centre on Saturday (Sunday AEDT) looking to join the 11 previous Australian winners of the top women's basketball competition in the world.
That list includes some of the country's biggest basketball names such as Lauren Jackson and Penny Taylor, while Sowah was also aiming to become the first Australian winner since Cayla George in 2023.
The Opal didn't take the court as she is on a player development contract, making her ineligible to feature in the playoffs.
But Sowah was an avid supporter from the sidelines, as she helped spur on Gabby Williams to a masterclass as the forward posted 30 points and four blocks.
Of those, 28 were in the second half — a WNBA finals record for most points by a player in a half.
Izzy Borlase had some big moments as her Dream went down in game seven. ( Getty Images: Matthew Huang )
Ex-Bendigo Spirit star Veronica Burton was also busy, registering 10 points, 11 rebounds and five assists to help Golden State claim a maiden championship in the franchise's second season.
While Sowah will bask in title glory, her Opals teammate Borlase will not after her team missed a golden opportunity to claim a historic first championship.
The 22-year-old played another important role off the bench as she recorded eight points and two rebounds in 14 minutes of game time.
Her best moment came in the third quarter when she coolly sank a three to end the Valkyries' 6-0 run before she later drove to the basket and earned a three-point play in the fourth period.
A title would have capped off a remarkable year for Borlase, who became the WNBL's youngest MVP in 15 years, made her Women's World Cup debut with the Opals and played her first minutes in the American league.
