Valkyries Beat Dream 64-55 to Put WNBA Title Within Reach

The Golden State Valkyries defeated the Atlanta Dream 64-55 on Monday night at Chase Center, moving one victory away from their first WNBA championship.

Kiah Stokes and Veronica Burton anchored the defense, each recording 13 points, eight rebounds, and multiple blocked shots. Stokes added three blocks, while Burton recorded four, a postseason best for a guard that ties Diana Taurasi's 2009 record. Their interior pressure limited Atlanta's Angel Reese, who finished with seven points, 15 rebounds, and five assists. Reese committed three offensive fouls and shook her head after the second one with 7:43 remaining in the game.

Coach Natalie Nakase kept the starting lineup from the 67-62 Game 4 win on Saturday, featuring Tiffany Hayes and Kaila Charles. Hayes, a 10-year veteran who previously played for Atlanta, scored 12 points. Lead scorer Gabby Williams struggled with her shot, going 3-for-14 from the field, but she hit a three-point play with 9:08 left to put Golden State ahead 49-42. She finished with nine points and six rebounds.

The Valkyries controlled the second half after a low-scoring first half. The teams combined for 54 points in the first two quarters, the lowest combined total in WNBA Finals history. Both teams shot poorly from deep, combining for 5-of-29 three-point attempts. Rhyne Howard of the Dream hit a three-point play with 4:59 left in the third quarter to close the gap to 34-31, but Golden State pulled away afterward. Stokes hit key three-pointers with 2:46 left in the third quarter and 7:21 left in the game, igniting the 18,000-fan crowd.

Stokes has recorded at least three blocks in six consecutive games, tying Lisa Leslie's 2003 record for the longest such streak in a WNBA postseason. After the final buzzer, the crowd chanted for Stokes as she addressed fans from the court. "We appreciate you," Stokes said. "We got one more." Burton credited Stokes for the team's success, saying, "We're not here without Kiah.. Just her veteran experience as well. It's more than just defense."

The Dream had 17 turnovers, which led to 21 points for Golden State. Atlanta coach Karl Smesko said the team still believes in its chances. "Nothing's changed, we win two games we're champions," Smesko said. Reese added, "I still believe in our team, I still believe we can win this."

The series continues Thursday with Game 6 at 12:30 p.m. EDT at State Farm Arena in Atlanta. If Atlanta wins, the series returns to Chase Center on Saturday for a decisive Game 7. The league announced the earlier start time for Game 6, prompting Smesko to hope fans can find a way to watch.

Golden State owner Joe Lacob promised a championship within five years when the franchise was granted to the Bay Area three years ago. The team is now one win away from achieving that goal in its second season.