Valkyries win Game 5 and are one victory from the WNBA title
The Golden State Valkyries beat the Atlanta Dream 64-55 in Game 5 of the WNBA Finals to lead the best-of-seven series 3-2. One more win would give them the championship.
In the WNBA Finals, the US professional women's basketball championship series, the Golden State Valkyries defeated the Atlanta Dream 64-55 on the morning of Tuesday, 27 October, Latvian time. The series is played to four wins, and the Valkyries now lead 3-2, meaning they need one more victory to claim the title. The game was watched by 18,064 spectators.
How the series has unfolded
The Finals began on 17 October with a 68-64 Valkyries win. The Dream took the next two games: 79-65 on 20 October and 97-71 on 22 October. Before Game 4 on 24 October, Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase changed the starting lineup, with Kaila Charles and Tiffany Hayes replacing Kayla Thornton and Cecilia Zandalasini. Atlanta nevertheless levelled the series with a 67-62 victory.
Game 5
The Valkyries sold out their 52nd consecutive home game, forced the Dream into a defensive contest and recorded their sixth win in seven home playoff games. The team's defence throughout the postseason has been anchored by Kia Stokes, who had 13 points, eight rebounds and three blocks in Game 5.
Veronica Burton also scored 13 points and grabbed eight rebounds. Tiffany Hayes and Cecilia Zandalasini each added 12 points, and Gabby Williams had nine. For the Dream, Rhyne Howard led with 20 points, while world champion Angel Reese was held to seven points.
What's next
Game 6 will take place on Thursday, 29 October, at 18:30 Latvian time at State Farm Arena in Atlanta. More than 10,000 tickets were sold in the first 90 minutes after sales opened. If a seventh game is needed, it will be played on Sunday, 1 November, at 03:00.
