Valkyries one win away from WNBA title with Game 6 matinee in Atlanta next

SAN FRANCISCO — Kiah Stokes kept swatting shots on the interior, while Veronica Burton disrupted the Dream with her own quick hands to alter shots. And that crazed, violet-clad “Ballhalla” home crowd roared at every chance — watching the Golden State Valkyries move one win away from a championship in their second season with a 64-55 victory against Atlanta in Game 5 of the WNBA Finals on Monday night. Stokes had 13 points, eight rebounds and three blocks, and Burton contributed a nearly identical stat line with 13 points, eight rebounds and four blocked shots as Golden State got defensive once more to shut down Angel Reese and the Dream. The Valkyries have leaned on Stokes’ steady presence and postseason experience during this remarkable run. “We’re not here without Kiah,” Burton said.“Every single day, every single game, from the beginning.

Just her veteran experience as well.It’s more than just defense.” Angel Reese finished with seven points, 15 rebounds and five assists — a big difference from her two standout performances in the first two games of the series at Chase Center.

Reese shook her head when whistled for the second of her three offensive fouls with 7:43 to play. “I still believe in our team, I still believe we can win this,” Reese said. Fans screamed and clapped thunder sticks following the final buzzer as Stokes spoke from the floor to chants of “MVP!” “We appreciate you,” a smiling Stokes said.“We got one more.” On a night leading scorer Gabby Williams struggled to find her shooting touch, Golden State found that “strength in numbers” mantra coach Natalie Nakase has praised all season long and everybody made an impact.

Veronica Burton had 13 points, eight rebounds and her postseason-best four blocks — tying Diana Taurasi in 2009 for most by a guard in a Finals game. On Saturday, Nakase had changed up her lineup for a 67-62 Game 4 win by inserting Tiffany Hayes and Kaila Charles into the start...