Golden State Valkyries beat the Atlanta Dream to even the WNBA Finals at 2-2

Golden State Valkyries Beat Atlanta Dream to Tie WNBA Finals

Activelifezero.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 losses in Games 2 and 3 with a more physical defensive effort, timely rebounding and enough composure to withstand Atlanta’s late push.

Gabby Williams scored 17 points to lead the Valkyries, while Tiffany Hayes added 13 points, all in the second half. The best-of-seven series now returns to California for Game 5 on Monday.

Defense changes the Finals matchup

After Atlanta won the previous two games, including a 26-point victory in Game 3, Golden State needed to slow the Dream’s interior attack. The Valkyries did exactly that against Angel Reese, who entered Game 4 after averaging 25.5 points and 14 rebounds across Atlanta’s two consecutive wins.

Reese finished with eight points on 2-of-12 shooting. Golden State made her work for every opportunity and prevented Atlanta from consistently turning missed shots into second-chance points.

Kiah Stokes anchored that defensive performance with three blocks, lifting her total to 14 through four Finals games. The total set a new WNBA Finals record, surpassing the previous record of 12 shared by Brittney Griner and Sylvia Fowles.

Stokes also delivered on the glass, collecting 16 rebounds, including eight offensive boards. Those extra possessions helped Golden State maintain control during the periods when Atlanta threatened to shift the game’s momentum.

New starters provide a spark

Coach Natalie Nakase adjusted her starting lineup before tipoff, putting Tiffany Hayes and Kaila Charles in for Kayla Thornton and Cecilia Zandalasini. Hayes gave the Valkyries a significant second-half lift as the team earned its first victory since Game 1.

“We just had to have more fight, more grit, and get back to us,” Hayes said in a TV interview 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.”

Thornton and Zandalasini also contributed after entering from the bench. Their energy helped fuel a first-quarter surge and gave Golden State its first lead since the third quarter of Game 2.

Atlanta cut the margin to 24-20 on a Reese basket, which was her only field goal of the first half. Golden State then closed the half on an 18-6 run, taking a 42-26 lead into the break. The 16-point halftime deficit was the Dream’s largest of the postseason.

Dream comeback comes up short

Atlanta had dominated the third quarter earlier in the series, outscoring Golden State 60-35 through the first three games. In Game 4, however, the Valkyries avoided another major third-quarter collapse and entered the final period with their lead intact.

The Dream still made the ending uncomfortable. Atlanta trimmed a 16-point deficit to 61-55 midway through the fourth quarter, with a sellout crowd of more than 17,000 behind it. Veronica Burton answered with a 3-pointer for Golden State, briefly restoring breathing room.

Rhyne Howard finished with 19 points for Atlanta and completed a three-point play with 28 seconds remaining to make it 66-62. Burton made one of two free throws on the next possession, and the Dream could not score again.

Atlanta shot 33.3% from the field and went 4-for-23 from three-point range. Those shooting struggles proved costly in a game decided by five points.

What the Game 4 result means for Game 5

When the Golden State Valkyries beat the Atlanta Dream in Game 4, they turned the championship series into a best-of-three contest. Golden State will look to repeat its defensive intensity, protect the ball and continue creating extra chances through offensive rebounding.

Atlanta, meanwhile, will try to regain the offensive flow that carried it through Games 2 and 3. The Dream’s ability to improve its outside shooting and generate more efficient looks for Reese will be central to its Game 5 hopes.

WNBA Finals Game 4 FAQ

What was the score in Valkyries vs. Dream Game 4?

Golden State won 67-62, evening the WNBA Finals at two games apiece.

Who led the Golden State Valkyries in scoring?

Gabby Williams led Golden State with 17 points. Tiffany Hayes added 13 points, all after halftime.

When is WNBA Finals Game 5?

Game 5 is scheduled for Monday in California, where Golden State will host Atlanta.

Why was Kiah Stokes important in Game 4?

Stokes recorded three blocks and 16 rebounds, including eight offensive rebounds. Her 14 blocks through four Finals games set a new WNBA Finals record.