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Kiah Stokes set a WNBA Finals record for blocks in a series as the Golden State Valkyries defeated the Atlanta Dream by 67 to 62 on October 24. The road victory brought the championship series level at two wins apiece.
Stokes collected 16 rebounds and three blocks, helping Golden State contain an Atlanta offense that had controlled the previous two games. Gabby Williams led the Valkyries with 17 points, while Tiffany Hayes and Veronica Burton each scored 13.
The series returns to San Francisco for Game 5 on October 26. With both teams needing two more victories to claim the title, Golden State has recovered the opportunity to finish the job on its home court.
Stokes Gives Golden State Control Around the Basket
Stokes now has 14 blocks across the first four Finals games, surpassing the previous series record of 12 shared by Brittney Griner and Sylvia Fowles.
Her rebounding was equally important in a game where points were difficult to find. Eight of her 16 rebounds came on offense, giving the Valkyries additional possessions when their first attempts failed.
Those extra chances helped Golden State win despite making only four of its 25 attempts from three point range. The Valkyries found enough value through defense, rebounding and ball security to overcome that shooting performance.
Atlanta’s Angel Reese, who had recorded a double-double in each of the first three games, finished with eight points and nine rebounds. She made two of 12 field goal attempts after averaging 25.5 points and 14 rebounds in the Dream’s two victories.
Nakase Changes the Lineup and Reduces Costly Mistakes
Coach Natalie Nakase moved Tiffany Hayes and Kaila Charles into the starting lineup, with Kayla Thornton and Cecilia Zandalasini coming off the bench. The adjustment changed the rotation while preserving contributions from the players whose roles shifted.
Golden State also improved its handling of the ball. After committing more than 17 turnovers in each of the first three Finals games, it finished Game 4 with just nine.
That reduced the easy scoring opportunities available to Atlanta. At the other end, the Valkyries scored 16 points from Dream turnovers, providing another source of offense beyond their struggling outside shooting.
The changes helped Golden State establish a 42 to 26 halftime lead. Atlanta had won Game 3 by 26 points, but this time the Dream spent the second half trying to repair a substantial deficit.
Hayes and Burton Supply the Answers to Atlanta’s Rally
Hayes scored all 13 of her points after halftime, including seven in the fourth quarter. Her contribution helped Golden State respond as Atlanta repeatedly threatened to turn the game around.
Burton delivered several important baskets down the stretch. Her three extended the lead to nine midway through the fourth quarter, and a later jumper restored a seven point advantage with approximately 35 seconds remaining.
Rhyne Howard completed a three point play to bring Atlanta within 66 to 62. Burton then split two free throws, and the Dream missed their final attempts from beyond the arc.
Howard finished with 19 points, but Atlanta shot 33.3% from the field overall. Early foul trouble for Allisha Gray added to the difficulty of recovering from the poor start.
Game 5 Tests Whether the Defensive Changes Will Hold
Atlanta coach Karl Smesko praised his team’s second half response but emphasized the need for better ball security and an improved opening. Reese also acknowledged rushing some of her attempts around the basket.
Those comments identify the immediate contest within the next game. Atlanta must create cleaner opportunities before Golden State’s defense becomes established, while the Valkyries will try to maintain their pressure without surrendering easy possessions through turnovers.
Game 5 takes place at Chase Center on October 26, with Game 6 scheduled in Atlanta on October 29. Golden State’s response has guaranteed that sixth game and turned a difficult series position into an even championship contest.
