Valkyries Defeat Dream 64-55 to Take 3-2 Lead in WNBA Finals

The Golden State Valkyries moved to the brink of a WNBA title on Monday after securing a 64-55 victory over the Atlanta Dream at the Chase Center. With the win, the Valkyries claimed a 3-2 advantage in the best-of-seven championship series, putting them just one victory away from history in only their second season.

Kiah Stokes and Veronica Burton each contributed 13 points to lead the Golden State offense, while Tiffany Hayes and reserve Cecilia Zandalasini added 12 points apiece. Stokes and Burton also anchored the boards for the team, pulling down a team-best eight rebounds each. Stokes added a game-high four blocked shots, marking her fifth consecutive finals game with at least three blocks.

Golden State relied heavily on its defense to stifle the Dream, holding Atlanta to a season-low 55 points on 29 percent shooting from the floor. The defensive intensity was a focal point for Stokes after the game. "That has just been our staple all season. We really rely on our defense," Stokes said, adding, "They are tough. We have to make sure we're all doing our part. It's a team for a reason."

The first half was a historic defensive struggle, marking the first time in WNBA Finals history that both teams scored 25 points or fewer before intermission. The Valkyries carried a narrow 25-22 lead into the break before creating separation in the second half, entering the final quarter ahead 46-40.

Atlanta struggled to find an offensive rhythm throughout the contest, turning the ball over 15 times and failing to generate consistent scoring. Dream star Angel Reese was held to just seven points on 2-of-8 shooting, although she managed to pull down a game-high 15 rebounds. Rhyne Howard led Atlanta with 20 points, while Jordin Canada chipped in 12.

Looking ahead to Game 6 in Atlanta, Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase and veteran Gabby Williams emphasized that the team must maintain its focus and intensity. Nakase reminded her players in the locker room, "We did what we were supposed to do, and now we got to get the next one, okay?" Williams reinforced the message, telling her teammates, "Don’t relax! Don’t relax. We got another level."

Stokes echoed the determination required to close out the series, noting, "We're not done yet. We've got one more. We need two hoops, 94 feet and each other and that's all we need." The championship series will resume on Thursday in Atlanta, where the Valkyries will have their first opportunity to clinch the title.