Valkyries edge Dream 64-55 in Game 5, one win from WNBA title

The Golden State Valkyries defeated the Atlanta Dream 64-55 in Game 5 of the 2026 WNBA Finals on Monday night, moving within one win of a championship in their second season. Kiah Stokes delivered a dominant two-way performance with 13 points, eight rebounds, and three blocks, while also contributing four additional blocks through the game. Veronica Burton added 13 points and eight rebounds, with four blocks of her own, as Golden State's suffocating defense proved decisive.

The Valkyries held Atlanta to just 29.2% shooting—the fourth-lowest percentage by any team in WNBA Finals history—and forced 17 turnovers that yielded 21 points. Golden State's second-half dominance was particularly effective; the team led by as many as 16 points late in the fourth quarter. The 64 points marked the fewest scored in a Finals victory since 2005, reflecting the defensive intensity both teams brought to Chase Center.

Angel Reese, who had dominated the first two games of the series with 30 and 21 points respectively, was held to seven points on Monday. The defensive adjustment, anchored by Stokes' length and positioning, forced Reese into difficult looks; she finished with 15 rebounds and five assists. Reese was also assessed offensive fouls, including one that drew a visible reaction late in the game. This marks the second consecutive game in which Reese scored single digits—a rare occurrence in her career.

Stokes' performance drew MVP chants from the crowd of approximately 18,000 at Chase Center, a remarkable moment for a player who has averaged just 3.3 points per game in her WNBA career. Her three three-pointers in Game 5 matched or exceeded the total she made in six of her previous 11 seasons. Across the five-game series, Stokes has accumulated 14 blocks—a new WNBA Finals record, surpassing the previous mark of 12 held jointly by Brittney Griner and Sylvia Fowles.

Atlanta, coached by Karl Smesko, must win Game 6 on Thursday at State Farm Arena to force a Game 7. Golden State can clinch the championship either Thursday on the road or Saturday at home in San Francisco. The Valkyries' defensive system has remained the constant throughout the series, and Stokes' elevated offensive contributions in this game added a new dimension that Atlanta could not overcome.