The Golden State Valkyries are now just one game away from clinching the WNBA Finals after a decisive 64‑55 win over the Atlanta Dream on Thursday night. The series, tied 2‑2 heading into Game 5, saw the Valkyries pull ahead with a six‑point margin at the end of the third quarter and never look back.
Stokes steps up on both ends
Kiah Stokes, the Valkyrie’s defensive anchor, added a new dimension to her game by becoming an offensive threat. She opened the scoring, then knocked down a three‑pointer, finishing with 13 points – tied for the most on the team. Stokes, a 6‑foot‑3 rebounder who averages just under four points per game this season, made three of four three‑point attempts.
Defensively, Stokes continued her historic run, logging her sixth straight game with at least three blocks. The streak ties the legendary Lisa Leslie for the longest block streak in WNBA playoff history. If Golden State captures the title, Stokes could be in the conversation for Finals MVP.
Game flow and key stats
The first half was tightly contested, with both squads taking a similar number of shots and grabbing an equal number of rebounds. The Valkyries held a modest 25‑22 lead at halftime, benefitting from fewer turnovers and a slightly higher shooting percentage. After the third quarter, the lead expanded to 46‑40, and the Valkyries maintained control through the final period.
Atlanta’s MVP A’ja Wilson, who was held in check by Stokes in the semifinals, struggled to find rhythm against the Valkyries’ disciplined defense. Angel Reese, another star for the Dream, also faced intense pressure from Stokes throughout the series.
Venue change for Game 6
Originally slated for the Gateway Center Arena – the smallest venue in the league with a capacity of about 3,500 – Game 6 will now be played at Atlanta’s State Farm Arena, which can accommodate roughly 17,000 fans. The shift to a larger arena and a matinée start at 12:30 p.m. Eastern (9:30 a.m. Pacific) is intended to avoid a scheduling conflict with an Atlanta Hawks game later that evening.
If Golden State wins Game 6 on Thursday, the championship will be decided then. A loss would force a decisive Game 7 back in the Bay Area on Oct. 31 at Boohalla.
Looking ahead
The Valkyries will travel to Atlanta for Game 6 on Thursday, Oct. 29, with a 9:30 a.m. Pacific tip‑off. The team’s blend of veteran poise and emerging talent has positioned them as the favorites to bring the title home, and fans across the West Coast are eagerly anticipating a potential championship parade.
Original reporting: Mission Local — read the source article.
