Golden State Valkyries take 3-2 lead in WNBA Finals with 64-55 win over Atlanta Dream
Kiah Stokes led the Valkyries with 13 points and three blocks as Golden State defeated Atlanta 64-55 in Game 5, moving within one win of the franchise's first championship.
Golden State secured a 64-55 victory over the Atlanta Dream in Game 5 of the WNBA Finals on Monday night, giving the Valkyries a 3-2 series edge ahead of Game 6 in Georgia. The win puts the franchise, in only its second season, one game away from its first league title.
Both teams struggled with shooting early, combining for just five makes on 29 three-point attempts in the first 20 minutes. The Valkyries limited Atlanta to eight points in the second quarter, holding a three-point lead at halftime, 25-22, the lowest-scoring first half in Finals history.
Kiah Stokes was a key factor, recording three blocks and hitting two three-pointers while posting 13 points and eight rebounds. Her third-quarter performance helped Golden State build a six-point lead, and a three-point shot early in the fourth extended the margin to ten points, the largest of the game.
Rhyne Howard led Atlanta with 20 points and five rebounds, while Jordin Canada added 12 and Allisha Gray 10. Angel Reese, who missed part of the first half after two fouls, finished with seven points and 15 rebounds. The Dream shot a season-low 29.2 percent from the field and turned the ball over 17 times.
Veronica Burton contributed 13 points and eight rebounds for the Valkyries, and Tiffany Hayes added 12. Game 6 is scheduled for Thursday at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, with a 12:30 p.m. local start time.