Valkyries Defeat Dream in Game 5, Move One Win Away From WNBA Championship.
SAN FRANCISCO — The Golden State Valkyries moved one step closer to making franchise history Monday night, defeating the Atlanta Dream 64-55 in Game 5 of the WNBA Finals at Chase Center. With the victory, Golden State takes a 3-2 lead in the championship series and needs just one more win to capture its first WNBA title. The accomplishment would be particularly significant for a franchise competing in only its second season. Defense played a major role in Golden State's victory as the Valkyries limited Atlanta's offensive opportunities throughout the contest. Both teams struggled to find their shooting rhythm early, resulting in a low-scoring first half. The teams combined to make just five of their 29 three-point attempts before halftime. Golden State also experienced offensive difficulties, converting only one field goal during the final seven minutes of the second quarter. Despite those struggles, the Valkyries maintained control defensively, holding Atlanta to eight points in the second quarter and entering halftime with a three-point advantage. The teams combined for just 47 first-half points, establishing a record for the lowest-scoring opening half in WNBA Finals history.
Atlanta forward Angel Reese faced early foul trouble, forcing her to spend significant time on the bench during the first half. Despite the limited playing time, Reese recorded five points and 10 rebounds before halftime. Golden State center Kiah Stokes delivered an important performance on both ends of the floor. Stokes provided a strong defensive presence against Reese, recording three blocked shots through the first three quarters while also contributing offensively with two three-pointers.
Her performance also matched a longstanding WNBA Finals record previously established by Lisa Leslie. Both offenses showed improvement coming out of halftime, but neither team was able to establish a commanding advantage during the third quarter. Golden State continued relying on its defensive execution and entered the fourth quarter holding a six-point lead. The Valkyries ultimately secured the nine-point victory, putting themselves in position to finish the series in Atlanta. Golden State now heads into Game 6 with an opportunity to claim the franchise's first championship, while the Dream will look to protect their home court and force a decisive Game 7. With the championship within reach, the Valkyries are one victory away from completing a historic postseason run.
