Golden State Valkyries beat the Atlanta Dream to even the WNBA Finals at 2-2
Golden State Valkyries Beat Atlanta Dream to Level WNBA Finals
Goldlaner.com – Golden State Valkyries beat the Atlanta Dream 67-62 in Game 4 on Saturday, tying the WNBA Finals at 2-2. Gabby Williams scored 17 points as Golden State responded after two straight losses and forced the best-of-seven series back to California for Monday’s Game 5.
The Valkyries recovered with the defensive intensity that had been missing in a 26-point Game 3 defeat. In front of a sold-out crowd of more than 17,000, Golden State made Atlanta work for shots, limited turnovers and produced enough timely offense to hold off a late Dream comeback.
Golden State contains Angel Reese
Defense against Angel Reese defined the turnaround. Reese had averaged 25.5 points and 14 rebounds during Atlanta’s victories in Games 2 and 3, but Golden State held her to eight points in Game 4.
Reese went 2-for-12 from the field and missed 10 shots, including several layup opportunities in the fourth quarter. Her basket late in the first half was her only field goal before halftime. She had posted a double-double in each of the first three Finals games.
Atlanta shot 33.3% from the field and made only four of its 23 three-point attempts. Rhyne Howard led the Dream with 19 points, but Golden State’s pressure prevented Atlanta from finding consistent offensive rhythm.
Kiah Stokes was a major presence around the basket, finishing with three blocks and 16 rebounds. Eight of those rebounds came on offense, helping the Valkyries create valuable second chances. Her 14 blocks through four Finals games set a new WNBA Finals record, surpassing the previous mark of 12 shared by Brittney Griner and Sylvia Fowles.
Starting lineup change pays off
Coach Natalie Nakase changed Golden State’s starting group for Game 4, bringing Tiffany Hayes and Kaila Charles into the lineup for Kayla Thornton and Cecilia Zandalasini. Hayes scored 13 points, all after halftime, as the Valkyries earned their first win since the series opener.
“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.”
Golden State started slowly in the early-afternoon contest, but Thornton and Zandalasini provided an immediate lift after entering the game. A first-quarter run gave the Valkyries their first lead since the third quarter of Game 2.
Atlanta cut the deficit to 24-20 on Reese’s only first-half basket, but Golden State answered emphatically. The Valkyries closed the half on an 18-6 run and took a 42-26 lead into the break, the largest halftime deficit the Dream had faced in the postseason.
Valkyries withstand Atlanta’s late push
Atlanta had dominated the third quarter in the first three games, outscoring Golden State 60-35 during that stretch. Game 4 was different. The Valkyries prevented the Dream from producing another decisive third-quarter run and maintained control into the final period.
The Dream made the closing minutes uncomfortable, cutting a 16-point halftime deficit to 61-55 midway through the fourth quarter. Veronica Burton answered with a three-pointer to restore Golden State’s cushion.
Howard later completed a three-point play with 28 seconds remaining to bring Atlanta within four points at 66-62. Burton made one of two free throws on Golden State’s next possession, and Atlanta could not score again as the Valkyries secured the win.
What’s next in the WNBA Finals?
With the series even, Game 5 becomes a crucial opportunity for both teams. Golden State will return home seeking to build on its defensive performance, while Atlanta will look for a stronger shooting night and another breakthrough performance from Reese and Howard.
FAQ: Golden State Valkyries vs. Atlanta Dream
What was the Game 4 score? The Golden State Valkyries defeated the Atlanta Dream 67-62.
Who led Golden State in scoring? Gabby Williams scored 17 points for the Valkyries.
Who led Atlanta in scoring? Rhyne Howard scored 19 points for the Dream.
When is Game 5? Game 5 is scheduled for Monday in California.