Stokes, Burton lift Valkyries to 64-55 win, one step from title

Golden State Valkyries guard Kiah Stokes scored 13 points, grabbed eight rebounds, and recorded three blocked shots to lead the team to a 64-55 victory over the Atlanta Dream on Monday night. The win at Chase Center gives Golden State a 3-1 series lead in the WNBA Finals. The Valkyries need one more win to claim the championship in their second season.

Veronica Burton provided additional support with 13 points and eight rebounds. Angel Reese finished with seven points, 15 rebounds, and five assists. Reese shook her head after whistling for her second of three offensive fouls with 7:43 remaining in the game.

Coach Natalie Nakase maintained the lineup change she implemented for the Game 4 win on Saturday. She started Tiffany Hayes and Kaila Charles. Hayes, who previously played 10 seasons for Atlanta, scored 12 points. Nakase has stated she wants to win the title for the veteran guard.

The Valkyries led 25-22 at halftime. The combined 47 points scored in the first half represent the lowest scoring first half total in WNBA Finals history. Neither team found rhythm from beyond the arc, with the teams combining for five made three-pointers on 29 attempts.

Golden State owner Joe Lacob promised a championship within five years when the expansion franchise was granted to the Bay Area three years ago. This season has exceeded his initial expectations. The team relied on a strength in numbers approach, with multiple players contributing to the offensive and defensive efforts.

Stokes hit a key three-pointer with 2:46 remaining in the third quarter. She added another three with 7:21 left in the game. These shots ignited chants from the home crowd at Chase Center. Fans waved rally towels and used thunder sticks during the final minutes.

Stokes has recorded at least three blocks in six consecutive games. This streak ties her with Lisa Leslie for the longest such run in a single WNBA postseason. The Valkyries controlled the second half after pulling away in the third quarter.

Atlanta’s Rhyne Howard scored a three-point play with 4:59 left in the third quarter to cut the lead to 34-31. However, Golden State maintained control for the remainder of the contest. The Dream committed 17 turnovers, which resulted in 21 points for Golden State.

Leading scorer Gabby Williams struggled offensively, finishing with nine points on 3-of-14 shooting. She missed all four of her three-point attempts and began the game 2-for-11. Williams converted a three-point play with 9:08 remaining to help the Valkyries take a 49-42 lead.

The WNBA announced that Game 6 will be played at 17,000-seat State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Thursday. The tip-off is set for 12:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. Dream coach Karl Smesko expressed disappointment about the early start time for fans on both coasts. He hopes as many people as possible will be able to watch the game.