Valkyries Force Title Decider After 64-55 Victory Over Dream

The Golden State Valkyries required 16 combined three-point attempts in the first half before finding their rhythm, a statistic that marked the lowest combined scoring total for a first half in WNBA Finals history. That defensive discipline, however, shifted momentum decisively in the second half as the team outscored Atlanta 39-33 to secure a 64-55 win in Game 5 on Monday night at Chase Center.

Kiah Stokes anchored the interior with 13 points, eight rebounds, and three blocks. Her performance extended her streak of games with three or more blocks to six, a tie for the longest such run in a single WNBA postseason with Lisa Leslie's 2003 record. Veronica Burton matched Stokes' scoring and rebounding output while adding four blocked shots, a postseason-best performance for a guard that ties Diana Taurasi's 2009 mark.

The Valkyries' defensive scheme effectively contained Angel Reese, who finished with seven points, 15 rebounds, and five assists. Reese shook her head after committing her second offensive foul with 7:43 remaining, a sharp contrast to her dominant play in the first two games of the series at the same venue. "I still believe in our team, I still believe we can win this," Reese said following the loss.

Coach Natalie Nakase maintained the lineup adjustments made in Game 4, keeping Tiffany Hayes and Kaila Charles in the starting five. Hayes, a former Atlanta player who came out of retirement two years ago, scored 12 points. "We're not here without Kiah," Burton said of her teammate's veteran leadership. "Every single day, every single game, from the beginning. Just her veteran experience as well. It's more than just defense."

Gabby Williams struggled from the field, shooting 3-for-14 for nine points, but converted a three-point play with 9:08 left in the fourth quarter to put Golden State ahead 49-42. The Dream committed 17 turnovers, which resulted in 21 points for Golden State. Rhyne Howard’s three-point play late in the third quarter had brought Atlanta within 34-31, but the Valkyries closed out the game with a 30-22 run.

Atlanta will host Game 6 at State Farm Arena on Thursday at 12:30 p.m. EDT, a time slot that Dream coach Karl Smesko described as challenging for working fans. "Nothing’s changed, we win two games we’re champions," Smesko said. A win by either team on Thursday will determine whether the series concludes there or proceeds to a Game 7 at Chase Center on Saturday.

The 18,000 fans in the sellout crowd chanted "MVP" as Stokes addressed them from the floor. "We appreciate you," Stokes said. "We got one more."