Valkyries Take 3-2 Finals Lead With Game 5 Win

The Golden State Valkyries defeated the Atlanta Dream 64-55 in Game 5 of the WNBA Finals on October 26, taking a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series and moving within one win of the franchise’s first championship. Game 6 is scheduled for October 29 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta. Golden State can clinch the title with a victory. If Atlanta wins, the series will go to a deciding Game 7 in San Francisco on Saturday. The Valkyries entered the Finals in their second season in the league, which began play in 2025, according to reporting on the team’s history. The Game 5 result followed another strong defensive performance by Golden State. Atlanta scored 55 points and shot 29% from the field, while committing 15 turnovers. The Valkyries shot 39% and had seven turnovers. Kiah Stokes and Veronica Burton each scored 13 points for Golden State. Angel Reese led Atlanta with 15 rebounds but scored seven points on 2-for-8 shooting; Rhyne Howard scored 20 points. The Valkyries have won Games 4 and 5 after Atlanta took Games 2 and 3. Golden State coach Natalie Nakase said the team would continue to focus on defense. Atlanta coach Karl Smesko said his players were competing hard and needed...