The Golden State Valkyries are just one win away from glory, standing on the precipice of history after a grueling 64-55 victory over the Atlanta Dream in Game 5 of the WNBA Finals. The win gives them a 3-2 series lead, and it all went down Monday night back home at Ballhalla. This isn’t just any win, either. This team, in only its second season, is staring down a championship.
Nakase’s Defensive Masterclass Has Atlanta Reeling
After dropping Games 2 and 3, everyone was wondering what Head Coach Natalie Nakase would cook up, and boy, did she deliver. Her coaching philosophy, which has been emblematic of their entire season, was simple: crank that good defense up to *great* defense. Mission accomplished, friends. The Valkyries allowed a staggering 162 points in Games 2 and 3. What happened in Games 4 and 5? They gave up just 117 points. That’s a massive shift. They forced 24 turnovers in those earlier losses, then exploded for 35 forced turnovers in the last two games.
And let’s talk about Angel Reese, Atlanta’s star. In Games 2 and 3, she went off for 51 points on 17-for-28 shooting, with 16 free throw attempts. Nakase’s defensive adjustments in Games 4 and 5 choked her down to just 15 points, shooting 4-for-20, and only 10 free throw attempts. That’s a shutdown. Defense, defense, defense, that’s what got them to the playoffs, and that’s what has them knocking on the door of the history books.
Game 5: A Grinder From the Jump
Game 5 itself was a defensive slugfest from both teams, especially in that first half. You don’t often see this level of lockdown in a playoff setting. The opening sequence foreshadowed the entire night: Atlanta won the tip, missed their first shot. Golden State couldn’t get a look and almost coughed up a 24-second violation. Gabby Williams had to heave it from downtown, badly missing, but Kaila Charles was there to corral the offensive rebound, finding Kiah Stokes for a quick layup. That’s the grind. Elite defense from both sides, but the Valkyries just kept finding a way to get points, often turning that stifling defense into offense. They racked up a massive 21-6 advantage in points off turnovers, which felt like the difference-maker. There was serious energy on both ends, with runs back and forth. Golden State started with four points, Atlanta answered with four, then the Valkyries got four more, and the Dream matched it. The Valks felt like they had the edge throughout that first quarter, especially dominating on the glass. Rhyne Howard hit a three… but it wasn’t enough to stop the defensive juggernaut.
Now, Golden State is just one win away. This team is on the brink of making history in their second season, and after the defensive clinic they’ve put on, the Dream have to figure out how to crack the code. The stakes are as high as they get.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Golden State of Mind.
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