Valkyries Seek Finals Game 4 Series Tie

The Golden State Valkyries beat the Atlanta Dream 64–55 in Game 5 of the WNBA Finals to take a 3–2 series lead, after the teams were tied 2–2 following Game 4. Golden State moved within one win of its first championship, holding Atlanta to about 29% shooting and Angel Reese to seven points. Kiah Stokes and Veronica Burton each scored 13 points; Burton’s four blocks tied the Finals record for a guard, and the Valkyries set a Finals series record with 37 blocks. Reese and Dream coach Karl Smesko criticized the officiating, while Smesko also acknowledged Atlanta’s missed shots and praised Golden State’s defense. Game 6, the first Game 6 in Finals history, is scheduled for Thursday in Atlanta, where the Dream must win to force a decisive Game 7.