Valkyries Even WNBA Finals at 2-2 with Key Defense

The Golden State Valkyries evened the WNBA Finals at 2-2 with a 67-62 victory over the Atlanta Dream in Game 4, forcing a decisive Game 5 at Ballhalla in San Francisco ^[1]. The win came after Golden State’s defense stifled Dream star Angel Reese, who was held to eight points on 2-for-12 shooting, a stark contrast to her 25.5-point average in the first three games ^[2]. Gabby Williams led the Valkyries with 17 points, five rebounds, and two steals, while center Kiah Stokes recorded 16 rebounds and three blocks, setting a new WNBA Finals record with 14 total blocks in four games.

The Dream cut a 16-point halftime deficit to five in the fourth quarter, with Rhyne Howard scoring 19 points and Izzy Borlase adding 10, but Golden State responded with key baskets and free throws to hold on ^[3]. Veronica Burton made the final two free throws after Atlanta’s Rhyne Howard hit a 3-point play with 28 seconds left, sealing the 67-62 win ^[2]. The Valkyries forced 17 turnovers—the most ever by Atlanta in the 2026 playoffs—and held the Dream to just 33.3% shooting, including 4-for-23 from beyond the arc.

Coach Natalie Nakase made a pivotal lineup change, inserting Tiffany Hayes and Kaila Charles in place of Kayla Thornton and Cecilia Zandalasini, who then helped spark a first-quarter surge that gave Golden State its first lead since Game 2 ^[2]. The Valkyries led 42-26 at halftime, their largest lead of the series, after forcing 14 turnovers and outshooting Atlanta 40-19 in the first half ^[3]. Despite making only four of 25 three-pointers, Golden State capitalized on defensive stops and second-chance opportunities, with Stokes grabbing eight offensive rebounds.

The Valkyries, a second-year franchise, have sold out every regular-season home game since their inception and are now poised for a pivotal Game 5 at Chase Center, where the electric atmosphere could tilt the series ^[1]. The series now returns to California, with Game 5 set for Monday ^[2]. The story was first reported by New York Post and ESPN.