The Golden State Valkyries are one victory away from making WNBA history, and Angel Reese and the Atlanta Dream are running out of opportunities to stop them. Golden State defeated Atlanta 64-55 on Monday night at Chase Center, taking a 3-2 lead in the WNBA Finals and moving within one victory of the franchise's first championship. The Valkyries delivered another impressive defensive performance, holding the Dream to just 55 points in a pivotal Game 5.
For Atlanta, the loss was especially frustrating after the Dream appeared to seize control of the series with consecutive victories in Games 2 and 3. Instead, Golden State has responded with back-to-back wins, shifting the pressure squarely onto Atlanta entering Game 6. Much of the Valkyries' success has come from their ability to contain Reese.
The Dream star finished Monday's loss with just seven points on 2 of 8 shooting, although she contributed 15 rebounds. It marked the second consecutive game Reese failed to record a double-double after opening the Finals with three-straight. Reese previously dominated Golden State during Atlanta's victories, scoring 30 points in Game 2 and 21 in Game 3.
However, the Valkyries have found an answer defensively. Veteran center Kiah Stokes has emerged as a crucial factor in the series, using her physicality and defensive presence to make life difficult for Reese around the basket. Stokes also contributed offensively Monday, finishing with 13 points, including three three-pointers, while adding eight rebounds.
Veronica Burton matched her 13 points as Golden State continued its remarkable postseason run. For the Valkyries, the opportunity ahead is extraordinary. The franchise began playing in the WNBA in 2025 and is now just one victory away from capturing a championship in its second season.
Meanwhile, Atlanta faces the possibility of watching another team celebrate a historic achievement at its expense. The Dream will return home for Game 6 on Thursday at State Farm Arena, where they must win to keep their championship hopes alive. A victory would force a decisive Game 7 in San Francisco on Saturday.
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