Kiah Stokes continues to play the best basketball of her career this postseason, and the center helped put her Golden State Valkyries one win away from a WNBA title. Stokes had 13 points, seven rebounds, three blocks and shot 5-for-6 from the field Monday in Game 5 of the WNBA Finals, leading Golden State to a 64-55 victory over the Atlanta Dream.
Defense continued to lead Golden State, which is in its second season in the WNBA after joining as an expansion team in 2025. Stokes came up big there as well. She has blocked at least three shots in six consecutive games, which is tied with Lisa Leslie (2003) for the longest streak in a single postseason in WNBA playoff history.
The Valkyries were relentless defensively. There was no substantive stretch when the Dream looked comfortable on offense. Per ESPN Research, Atlanta shot 1-of-7 when Stokes contested the shot. Atlanta forwards Angel Reese and Naz Hillmon were a combined 3-of-13 from the field for 9 points. Stokes also made three 3-pointers, a major part of her offensive production, and she has won three WNBA titles previously with Las Vegas.
The series shifts to Atlanta for Thursday's Game 6, which will be played at 12:30 p.m. ET at State Farm Arena. A win would give the Valkyries their first championship on the road. Golden State can also return home to Ballhalla for a Game 7 on Halloween if needed. In the three games when both teams have been held below 70 points, the Valkyries have prevailed.
Source: ESPN General · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing