Golden State Valkyries beat the Atlanta Dream to even the WNBA Finals at 2-2
Golden State Valkyries Beat the Atlanta Dream to Level WNBA Finals
Healfromzero.com – The Golden State Valkyries beat the Atlanta Dream 67-62 in Game 4 on Saturday, tying the WNBA Finals at 2-2. Golden State responded after a 26-point Game 3 loss with stronger defense, better ball security and a crucial rebounding advantage.
Gabby Williams scored a team-high 17 points for the Valkyries, who will return to California for Game 5 on Monday. With the best-of-seven series even, the championship will now be decided over a three-game stretch.
Golden State Limits Angel Reese
A central reason the Golden State Valkyries beat the Atlanta Dream was their defense against Angel Reese. Reese had averaged 25.5 points and 14 rebounds in Atlanta’s two earlier victories, but Golden State held her to eight points on 2-for-12 shooting.
Reese had posted double-doubles in each of the first three Finals games, yet the Valkyries repeatedly contested her attempts near the rim. Atlanta struggled to convert missed shots into second-chance opportunities as Golden State controlled the paint and the glass.
Kiah Stokes led that defensive effort with 16 rebounds, including eight offensive boards, plus three blocks. She now has 14 blocks through four Finals games, setting a WNBA Finals record and surpassing the previous mark of 12 shared by Brittney Griner and Sylvia Fowles.
Hayes and the New Starters Spark a Response
Coach Natalie Nakase changed the starting lineup before Game 4, adding Tiffany Hayes and Kaila Charles in place of Kayla Thornton and Cecilia Zandalasini. Hayes scored all 13 of her points after halftime, providing an important lift as Golden State protected its lead.
“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.”
The Valkyries had emphasized physicality after Game 3, and their response was clear. They reduced the turnovers that had helped fuel Atlanta’s transition offense and created extra possessions through offensive rebounding.
Big First-Half Run Gives Valkyries Control
Golden State started slowly but found momentum through its lineup changes. Thornton and Zandalasini made an impact after entering the game, helping the Valkyries take their first lead since the third quarter of Game 2.
Atlanta cut the margin to 24-20 on a Reese basket, but Golden State closed the first half on an 18-6 run. The Valkyries carried a 42-26 lead into halftime, handing the Dream their largest deficit of the postseason.
The Dream had dominated third quarters in the first three games, outscoring Golden State 60-35 during that period. This time, the Valkyries stayed composed and prevented Atlanta from producing another decisive surge after halftime.
Atlanta’s Late Push Comes Up Short
The Dream trimmed a 16-point halftime deficit to 61-55 midway through the fourth quarter, energizing a sellout crowd of more than 17,000. Veronica Burton answered with a 3-pointer for Golden State, restoring momentum at a pivotal moment.
Rhyne Howard led Atlanta with 19 points and completed a three-point play with 28 seconds left to make it 66-62. Burton then made one of two free throws, and the Dream failed to score on their final possession.
Atlanta finished shooting 33.3% from the field and went 4-for-23 from 3-point range. The Golden State Valkyries beat the Atlanta Dream by making every late defensive stop count, setting up a pivotal Game 5 in California.
FAQ: What Happens Next in the WNBA Finals?
When is Game 5? Game 5 is scheduled for Monday in California, where Golden State will have the opportunity to take a 3-2 series lead.
Why did Golden State win Game 4? The Valkyries improved their defensive pressure, limited Angel Reese’s scoring efficiency, protected the basketball and dominated key rebounding possessions.
Who led Golden State in Game 4? Gabby Williams scored 17 points, while Tiffany Hayes added 13 and Kiah Stokes contributed 16 rebounds and three blocks.