WNBA Finals: Valkyries beat Dream to reach the brink of their first title

Kiah Stokes and Veronica Burton led the Golden State Valkyries to a 64-55 victory over the Atlanta Dream in Game 5 of the WNBA Finals, putting the team on the brink of their first title. Stokes and Burton each scored 13 points and pulled down a team-best eight rebounds in the game. The Valkyries dominated defensively, keeping the Dream to a season-low in points on 19-of-65 (29 percent) shooting from the floor.

The Valkyries, in only their second WNBA campaign, stifled Dream star Angel Reese to seven points on 2-of-8 shooting, although she grabbed a game-high 15 rebounds. Golden State's strong defence has been a staple all season, with Stokes crediting the team's reliance on defence for their success. Stokes had a game-high four blocked shots and has had at least three blocks in every finals game.

The Valkyries have been a hit with spectators in the home arena of the NBA Golden State Warriors, with Stokes thanking the crowd for their support after the game. The team now leads the best-of-seven championship series 3-2 and will face the Dream again in Atlanta on Thursday. Stokes said the team is not done yet and needs to focus on their next game to secure the title.

Golden State's Tiffany Hayes and reserve Cecilia Zandalasini each added 12 points to the team's total, while Rhyne Howard led the Dream with 20 points and Jordin Canada added 12. The Valkyries' victory has put them in a strong position to win their first WNBA title, but they will need to maintain their defensive form and focus on their next game to secure the championship.

The WNBA Finals series continues on Thursday in Atlanta, with the Valkyries looking to secure their first title. The team's strong defence and team effort have been key to their success so far, and they will need to continue to rely on these strengths to win the championship.