Valkyries Defeat Dream 67-62 to Tie WNBA Finals at 2-2.
ATLANTA, Ga. — The Golden State Valkyries delivered a strong defensive performance Saturday afternoon, defeating the Atlanta Dream 67-62 in Game 4 of the WNBA Finals to even the best-of-seven championship series at two games apiece. Gabby Williams led Golden State with 17 points as the Valkyries bounced back from a 26-point loss in Game 3. The victory sends the series back to California for Game 5 on Monday, with both teams looking to move one win closer to the championship. Golden State's defense played a major role in the victory, particularly against Atlanta forward Angel Reese. After averaging 25.5 points and 14 rebounds across the Dream's previous two victories, Reese was limited to eight points on 2-of-12 shooting. The performance ended her streak of three consecutive double-doubles to begin the series. Kiah Stokes anchored the Valkyries defensively, recording three blocked shots and collecting 16 rebounds, including eight on the offensive end. Her performance brought her series total to 14 blocks, establishing a new WNBA Finals record. The previous mark of 12 was held by Brittney Griner and Sylvia Fowles. Golden State established control during the first half despite a slow opening. Head coach Natalie Nakase adjusted her starting lineup, moving Tiffany Hayes and Kaila Charles into starting roles while Kayla Thornton and Cecilia Zandalasini came off the bench. The changes helped Golden State find its rhythm. After Atlanta cut the deficit to 24-20 in the second quarter, the Valkyries responded with an 18-6 scoring run to take a 42-26 advantage into halftime. The 16-point halftime deficit was Atlanta's largest of the postseason. Atlanta attempted to regain momentum in the second half, but Golden State maintained a nine-point advantage entering the final quarter. The Valkyries prevented the Dream from repeating their strong third-quarter performances from earlier in the series.
The Dream continued fighting in the fourth quarter, reducing Golden State's lead to 61-55 midway through the period. Veronica Burton responded with a crucial three-pointer to give the Valkyries additional breathing room.
Atlanta made another late push, scoring seven of the next nine points. Rhyne Howard converted a three-point play with 28 seconds remaining to bring the Dream within four points at 66-62. Burton then made one of two free throws, extending Golden State's lead to five. Atlanta was unable to score on its following possession, allowing the Valkyries to secure the victory. Howard finished with a team-high 19 points for the Dream. However, Atlanta struggled offensively throughout the contest, shooting just 33.3 percent from the field and making only four of its 23 three-point attempts. Golden State also improved its execution by protecting the basketball and creating additional scoring opportunities through offensive rebounds. Those adjustments helped the Valkyries limit Atlanta's transition opportunities while maintaining control during critical stretches. With the series tied 2-2, the championship remains undecided. Golden State will return home with momentum after earning an important road victory, while Atlanta will look to regain the offensive efficiency that helped it take the series lead.
Game 5 is scheduled for Monday in California, where the winner will move within one victory of capturing the WNBA championship.
