Golden State Valkyries center Kiah Stokes set a WNBA Finals blocks record and suffocated Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese, helping her team secure a 64-55 Game 5 victory at Chase Center on Monday, October 26, 2026, to take a three-games-to-two series lead.
The Golden State Valkyries stand just one win away from claiming the WNBA championship after a stifling defensive performance defeated the Atlanta Dream 64-55 on Monday night at Chase Center. The victory gives Golden State a crucial three-games-to-two advantage in the best-of-seven series, shifting the momentum firmly back to the Bay Area side as the teams prepare to travel to Atlanta for Game 6.
Kiah Stokes Makes History and Chokes Off the Atlanta Dream Offense
At the center of Golden State’s postseason surge is 33-year-old veteran Kiah Stokes. Bringing championship experience earned from three titles with the Las Vegas Aces in 2022, 2023, and 2025, Stokes has established herself as the anchor of the defense. During Game 4’s 67-62 victory, Stokes pulled down a playoff career-high 16 rebounds and recorded three blocks to make WNBA history.
Kiah Stokes is now the first player in WNBA Finals history to record 3+ blocks in four consecutive games. Stokes also passes Sylvia Fowles and Brittney Griner for the most total blocks in a WNBA Finals.
WNBA official statement, via Clutchpoints
Stokes extended that historic streak in Game 5, recording another three blocks to tie Lisa Leslie’s record of six consecutive postseason games with at least three blocks. She also stepped up offensively in Game 5 with a season-high 13 points, hitting three 3-pointers.
ANGEL REESE STUFFED AT THE RIM ✋🚫Make that 15 BLOCKS for Kiah Stokes in the WNBA Finals 😤#WNBAonUSA 🏆 | Dream 💭 | Valkyries ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/cwJMawlMx1
Stokes Disrupts Angel Reese to Shift Series Dynamics
A defining tactical battle of the series has been Stokes’ assignment against Atlanta forward Angel Reese. After Reese opened the Finals with three double-doubles, Stokes took it upon herself to disrupt Reese. While other Valkyrie defenders allowed Reese to shoot at a high clip, Stokes held her to 2-of-10 shooting when acting as her primary defender.
She’s been the head of the snake for all series. So for me, it was just trying to make every look that she had at the basket difficult. It’s a tough job, but I think being our best defensive big, I gotta own up to that challenge, but like I said, it was just trying to make her take difficult shots.
Kiah Stokes, Center for the Golden State Valkyries, via USA Today
Stokes limited Reese to eight points in Game 4 and just seven points on 2-of-8 shooting in Game 5. Her defensive pressure anchored a scheme that forced Atlanta into a season-low 29 percent shooting night and a season-low 55 points in Game 5, compared to Golden State’s 39 percent.
Gritty Play and Low-Scoring Halves Define Game 5 at Chase Center
Monday night’s contest featured historic offensive struggles early on. The first half set a record as the lowest-scoring in WNBA Finals history, with Golden State holding a slim 25-22 lead at the break. Both teams traded physical blows and combined for 31 fouls throughout the night.
Golden State’s supporting cast matched Stokes’ intensity on the floor. Veronica Burton contributed 13 points and eight rebounds, while Gabby Williams added nine points despite facing tough defense that limited her to 3-of-14 shooting. Cecilia Zandalasini provided 12 crucial points off the bench, and Tiffany Hayes also scored 12 points. For Atlanta, Rhyne Howard kept her team competitive by scoring 20 points, but the Dream ultimately faltered after committing 17 turnovers, which the Valkyries converted into 21 points.
Veronica Burton jumped out to a quick five points in the second 🔥 pic.twitter.com/nro1sA1CN8
Game 6 Setup at State Farm Arena
With a 3-2 series lead secured at home, the Valkyries now travel to Atlanta with the championship within their grasp. Game 6 is scheduled to tip off on Thursday at 9:30 a.m. PT at State Farm Arena as Golden State looks to close out the best-of-seven series.
Crowds showered Stokes with chants of M-V-P! M-V-P! M-V-P!
as she finished her postgame media obligations in San Francisco, recognizing a veteran leader who is now dictating the terms of the WNBA Finals.
SWIPE. DIME. BUCKETTTT 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/BJ3CdGjQmb
More on Kiah Stokes
Kayla Thornton gets right back up and CASHES IN from three 😤#WNBAonUSA 🏆 | Dream 💭 | Valkyries ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/t8cq07iS6p
Valks with a 7-0 run to start the second half 🥵 pic.twitter.com/Uumst2IEOs
After review, no flagrant foul was assessed on this hard collision between Allisha Gray and Tip Hayes pic.twitter.com/PW2jMjBrb2
BALLHALLA IS GETTING CHIPPY 😬Allisha Gray and Veronica Burton collide hard on the court#WNBAonUSA 🏆 | Dream 💭 | Valkyries ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/p3Wio8oIGI
A massive layup from Veronica to end the third 👏 pic.twitter.com/5NH5NEECkd
Get it, Gabby 💪 pic.twitter.com/5OAboZDcEJ
Kiah Stokes is now the first player in WNBA Finals history to record 3+ blocks in four consecutive games. Stokes also passes Sylvia Fowles and Brittney Griner for the most total blocks in a WNBA Finals.
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