Valkyries hold Dream to 55 points, take 3-2 lead in WNBA Finals
Kiah Stokes’ defensive pressure forced Atlanta to shoot 29% from the field in a 64-55 loss that sets up a decisive Game 6.
By Takeshi Davidson ·
The Golden State Valkyries have established a defensive identity that has defined their 2026 campaign. Monday’s performance in Game 5 of the WNBA Finals demonstrated that this approach is capable of dictating the outcome of a championship series.
Golden State defeated the Atlanta Dream 64-55 at Ballhalla on Monday. The victory gives the Valkyries a 3-2 series lead. The franchise is one win away from its first WNBA title in its second season of existence.
Center Kiah Stokes was the primary engine behind the defensive effort. She recorded 13 points, seven rebounds and three blocks while shooting 5-for-6 from the field. Her three blocks extend her streak to six consecutive games with at least three stops. This ties the record for the longest such streak in a single postseason, previously set by Lisa Leslie in 2003.
The Valkyries disrupted the Dream’s offensive rhythm from the opening tip. Atlanta shot 19-for-65 from the field, a 29.2% clip. The 55 points scored represent the Dream’s lowest total this season. When Stokes contested shots, Atlanta went 1-for-7 from the field and 0-for-1 from three-point range.
The Dream’s starting forwards struggled to find consistency. Angel Reese and Naz Hillmon combined for 3-for-13 shooting, totaling 9 points. Reserve guard-forward DeWanna Bonner took only two shots and did not score. Atlanta’s inability to convert its opportunities rendered its rebounding advantage irrelevant.
Despite the defensive focus, Stokes also contributed from the perimeter. She made three three-pointers, tying her season high. In six of her 11 seasons in the league, Stokes made three or fewer threes for the entire year. Her shooting efficiency this postseason has been a product of consistent preparation.
The series shifts to Atlanta for Game 6 on Thursday. The contest is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. ET at State Farm Arena. The time change allows the game to be played during the day, a departure from the standard evening WNBA schedule. Golden State can secure the championship on the road in that game.
If the Dream force a Game 7, the series will return to Ballhalla for a match on Halloween. Golden State has won the last two games after falling behind 2-1 in the series. In the three games this year where both teams were held under 70 points, the Valkyries have won each time.
Atlanta needs a surge in offensive production to stay alive. Reese scored 30 points in Game 2 and 21 in Game 3, but she has managed only 15 points across the last two games. The Dream outrebounded Golden State 44-33 on Monday, but they must improve their shooting to translate that board work into points.
