The Valkyries are one win away from a WNBA championship.
Golden State took care of business against the Dream in Game 5 of the WNBA Finals with a 64-55 victory Monday night at the Chase Center. Ballhalla was booming after the Valkyries protected home court and gained a 3-2 lead over Atlanta in the series.
Four Valkyries players finished the night in double-digits. Center Kiah Stokes posted 13 points, eight rebounds, three blocks while shooting 5-for-6 from the field. Veronica Burton tallied 13 points, eight rebounds, four blocks and three assists.
Tiffany Hayes and Cecilia Zandalasini both scored 12 points to propel Golden State over the Dream in Game 5.
Monday’s matchup got off to a slow start offensively as both teams combined for 47 points at the half. But the Valkyries’ statement defense remained the same throughout both halves.
In only its second season, Golden State has nearly done it all.
The Valkyries sold out every regular season home game for the second year in a row. The WNBA team also reached the playoffs for the second consecutive season, an impressive feat since Golden State began play only last year.
In the postseason, the Valkyries managed to eliminated the defending WNBA champions, the Aces, in the semifinals. Now, the team is one win away from a championship.
If the Valkyries win Game 6 on Thursday, however, there’s a chance the championship celebration will be moved to a practice court. The decisive Game 6 will be held at State Farm Arena in Atlanta and will tip off at 12:30 p.m.
The Hawks have pushed back their NBA matchup against the Cavaliers to 8 p.m., but because the court will need to be changed for the game, the timing may affect a celebration if Golden State wins Game 6.
