Golden State beat Atlanta 64-55 in Game 5, taking a 3-2 lead in the WNBA Finals. Kiah Stokes, usually known for defense, led the Valkyries with 13 points, while Golden State’s defense held Angel Reese to seven. Atlanta’s turnovers and scoring struggles proved costly.

By the Numbers
  • Stokes scored 13 points, her season high, and added 8 rebounds and 3 blocks.
  • Atlanta committed 17 turnovers, leading to 21 Golden State points; the Valkyries had 9 turnovers that produced 6 points for the Dream.
  • The first half ended 25-22, the lowest-scoring first half in WNBA Finals history.
Yes, But

Golden State is one win from the title, but the Finals have been shaped by fatigue and unusually poor shooting from both teams. Atlanta has won when Reese scored more than 20 points, making her limited production a key concern.

State of Play
  • Game 6 is Thursday at 12:30 p.m. ET at Atlanta’s State Farm Arena, moved from its originally scheduled time and venue because of conflicts with the Hawks.
  • The 17,000-seat arena is sold out. A potential Game 7 is scheduled for Saturday in Golden State.
  • The 2026 Finals will last at least six games, making it the longest Finals series in WNBA history.
What's Next

Atlanta must win Game 6 to keep its title hopes alive, while Golden State can clinch the championship on the road. If the Dream force a Game 7, the series returns to Golden State on Saturday.

Bottom Line

Stokes’ unexpected scoring gave Golden State a crucial edge, but the series may turn on whether Atlanta can cut down its mistakes and get Reese back to her high-scoring form.