The Golden State Valkyries moved within a single victory of securing a championship in just their second season, claiming a 64-55 victory over the Atlanta Dream on Monday night in Game 5 of the WNBA Finals at Chase Center. Kiah Stokes spearheaded the effort, tallying 13 points, eight rebounds, and three blocked shots while connecting on crucial shots down the stretch. And it worked again, she stayed with those two Monday night.
With this defensive showcase, Stokes recorded her sixth consecutive postseason game with three or more blocks. That impressive defensive stretch tied her with Lisa Leslie in 2003 for the longest such streak in WNBA playoff history. Her second 3-pointer with 7:21 remaining energized the home crowd, following an earlier third-quarter shot beyond the arc that kept Golden State in command.
Key Game Performance Metrics
- Stokes Stats: 13 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 blocks
- Burton Stats: 13 points and 8 rebounds
- Hayes Contribution: 12 points as a continuing starter
- First Half Defense: Combined score of 25-22 set a WNBA Finals record for the lowest-scoring opening half
The matchup featured a gritty defensive showdown in the opening two quarters, with both teams struggling significantly from perimeter range. Golden State and Atlanta combined to shoot a meager 5-for-29 from three-point territory during the first half, with the Valkyries hitting 3 of 16 and the Dream converting just 2 of 13. Golden State went into the locker room at halftime holding a narrow 25-22 lead, marking the lowest combined first-half score in WNBA Finals history.
Atlanta mounted a challenge midway through the third quarter when Rhyne Howard completed a three-point play with 4:59 on the clock, cutting the deficit to 34-31. However, the Valkyries responded behind key plays from Stokes, Veronica Burton, and veteran guard Tiffany Hayes. Hayes, who played 10 seasons for Atlanta before coming out of retirement two years ago, remained in coach Natalie Nakase’s starting unit for the second consecutive contest after making an impact in Game 4. On Saturday, Nakase had changed up her lineup for a 67-62 Game 4 win by inserting Tiffany Hayes and Kaila Charles into the starting five.
Angel Reese provided a strong presence on the glass for the Dream, finishing with seven points, 15 rebounds, and five assists. However, foul trouble limited her rhythm, capped by her second of three offensive fouls called with 7:43 left in the final quarter. Atlanta committed 17 turnovers overall, which the Valkyries turned into 21 points on the opposite end of the floor.
Valkyries top scorer Gabby Williams faced early offensive struggles, starting 2 for 11 from the field, but delivered a vital three-point play with 9:08 left to put Golden State ahead 49-42. Williams ended the contest with nine points and six rebounds. Following the final horn, Stokes thanked the enthusiastic home crowd, saying, “We appreciate you. We got one more.” Fans screamed and clapped thunder sticks following the final buzzer as Stokes spoke from the floor to chants of “MVP!”. But she converted a three-point play with 9:08 remaining put the Valkyries ahead 49-42 and finished with nine points on 3-for-14 shooting and six re, williams began 2 for 11 and missed all four of her three 3-point tries.
The series now shifts to State Farm Arena in Atlanta for Game 6 on Thursday, scheduled for 12:30 p.m. EDT. Dream head coach Karl Smesko acknowledged the unusual afternoon scheduling, remarking that he hoped fans would still find a way to watch the critical matchup. If the Dream defend home court, a winner-take-all Game 7 will return to Chase Center on Saturday. Atlanta will now try to stave off elimination at home Thursday in Game 6 and force a deciding Game 7 back here at Chase Center on Saturday. The league announced Game 6 would be played at 17,000-seat State Farm Arena in Atlanta starting at 12:30 p.m, earlier Monday.
Important Details
- Which ignited chants of “Ki-ah! Ki-ah!” from the crazed, rally-towel waving “Ballhalla” home crowd at Chase Center, stokes hit a key 3-pointer with 2:46 to go in the third quarter and another with 7:21 left in the game.
