Golden State Valkyries beat the Atlanta Dream to even the WNBA Finals at 2-2

Golden State Valkyries Beat the Atlanta Dream to Even WNBA Finals

Earthguardiansonline.com – The Golden State Valkyries beat the Atlanta Dream 67-62 in Game 4 on Saturday, tying the best-of-seven WNBA Finals at 2-2. Gabby Williams scored 17 points, while Golden State’s defense delivered the response it needed after Atlanta’s 26-point Game 3 win.

Game 5 will take place in California on Monday, with both teams now two victories away from the championship.

Golden State’s Defense Changes the Series

The Golden State Valkyries beat the Atlanta Dream by making life difficult for Angel Reese, who had dominated Atlanta’s two earlier victories. Reese scored eight points on 2-for-12 shooting after averaging 25.5 points and 14 rebounds in the Dream’s previous wins.

Reese had posted a double-double in each of the first three Finals games, but Golden State consistently challenged her around the basket. Several missed layups late in the contest illustrated the Valkyries’ improved resistance near the rim.

Coach Natalie Nakase also changed the starting lineup, inserting Tiffany Hayes and Kaila Charles for Kayla Thornton and Cecilia Zandalasini. Hayes scored all 13 of her points after halftime as Golden State earned its first victory since Game 1.

“We just had to have more fight, more grit, and get back to us,” Hayes said after the game. “We still made a few mistakes but at the end of the day we played hard and we came out with the win.”

Stokes Sets a WNBA Finals Record

Kiah Stokes anchored Golden State’s defensive performance with three blocks, bringing her total to 14 through four Finals games. She moved past the previous WNBA Finals record of 12 blocks, which had been shared by Brittney Griner and Sylvia Fowles.

Stokes also collected 16 rebounds, including eight offensive boards. Her work created extra possessions for a Valkyries team that protected the ball more effectively than it had in its two losses.

Atlanta shot 33.3% from the field and made just 4 of 23 three-point attempts. Rhyne Howard led the Dream with 19 points, but Atlanta could not generate enough efficient offense to overcome its 42-26 halftime deficit.

Dream Rally Comes Up Short

Golden State built its lead with an 18-6 run to close the first half after Atlanta had pulled within four points. The 16-point halftime margin was the Dream’s largest deficit of the playoffs.

Atlanta fought back in the fourth quarter, trimming the lead to 61-55. Veronica Burton answered with a three-pointer, but the Dream continued to press. Howard completed a three-point play with 28 seconds remaining to make it 66-62.

Burton then made one of two free throws, and Atlanta failed to score on its final possession. The Golden State Valkyries beat the Atlanta Dream by five points to ensure the Finals would return west tied.

What Game 5 Means for the WNBA Finals

Golden State will try to carry its defensive momentum into Game 5 at home. The Valkyries showed they can contain Atlanta’s primary scorers when they control the glass, limit turnovers and contest shots in the paint.

For the Dream, the priority is restoring the offensive rhythm that powered wins in Games 2 and 3. Atlanta will also need a stronger response from Reese after one of her least efficient performances of the postseason.

FAQ: Golden State vs. Atlanta WNBA Finals

What was the Game 4 score? The Valkyries defeated the Dream 67-62.

Who led Golden State in scoring? Gabby Williams scored 17 points, while Tiffany Hayes added 13.

Why was Kiah Stokes important in Game 4? Stokes recorded three blocks and 16 rebounds, setting a WNBA Finals record with 14 blocks through four games.

When is Game 5? Game 5 is scheduled for Monday in California.