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Kiah Stokes (again) and officiating among WNBA Finals Game 5 winners and losers

The Golden State Valkyries moved within one win of their inaugural championship by defeating the Atlanta Dream 64-55 on Monday, October 26. Playing at the Chase Center, the Valkyries took a 3-2 series lead in the best-of-seven WNBA Finals.

Their defense dominated, holding Atlanta to a season-low 55 points while forcing 17 turnovers that led to 21 points. The Dream struggled offensively, shooting just 29% from the field and making only 9 of 33 attempts in the paint, with only 3 of 12 successful in the second half.

Kiah Stokes led the way with 13 points, eight rebounds, and three blocks, marking her sixth consecutive game with at least three blocks to tie Lisa Leslie's postseason record. Veronica Burton also contributed 13 points, eight rebounds, and four blocks, the latter being a career postseason high and tying Diana Taurasi's record for blocks by a guard in a Finals game.

Cecilia Zandalasini and Tiffany Hayes each scored 12 points. Stokes, who hit three of four three-pointers, recorded her highest scoring output of the playoffs during the win.

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