The key facts

  • Golden State leads 3-2 in the best-of-five series
  • Kiah Stokes and Veronica Burton scored 13 points each
  • Atlanta posted its worst scoring output of the season

Victory in Game Five and the Series Lead

The Golden State Valkyries defeated the Atlanta Dream 64-55 and took a 3-2 lead in the WNBA Finals, which is played as a best-of-five series, AFP reports. Kiah Stokes and Veronica Burton scored 13 points each, Tiffany Hayes and Cecilia Zandalasini, who came off the bench, added 12 apiece; Stokes and Burton grabbed eight rebounds each — the most on the team. The next game of the series will be played on Thursday in Atlanta.

Defense Decided the Outcome

The key to the victory was defense: Atlanta made only 19 of 65 shots (29%) and scored fewer points than in any game this season. Dream star Angel Reese managed to score only seven points, going 2-for-8 from the field, although she pulled down 15 rebounds — the most on the floor. Stokes recorded four blocks — the best mark of the game; according to her, she has made at least three blocks in every game of the Finals. For Atlanta, Rhyne Howard scored the most points with 20, while Jordin Canada added 12.

Second Season — and Already in the Finals

The Valkyries are only in their second WNBA season and have already become a sensation in terms of attendance: the team plays at the home arena of the NBA club Golden State Warriors. After the victory, Stokes addressed the crowd: “You are all amazing. We couldn’t have done this without you.” About the chances of winning the title, she said: “We are not done yet. We have one game left.”