Stokes leads Valkyries to brink of WNBA title — SkimNews
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- Kiah Stokes scored 13 points and hit three 3-pointers in Game 5, matching her season high and marking her second-best playoff performance, as the Valkyries took a 3-2 series lead.
- Golden State Valkyries held the Atlanta Dream to 29.2% shooting and 18 points in the paint, forcing 17 turnovers while advancing within one win of a championship in just their second season.
- Natalie Nakase declared Kiah Stokes the team’s MVP if they win the title, citing her defensive dominance and leadership, while acknowledging the deafening MVP chants from the Ballhalla crowd.
- Atlanta Dream shot 9-for-48 when contested by Stokes in the series and were limited to 7 points from Angel Reese in Game 5, down from 51 points across Games 2 and 3.
- Karl Smesko credited Stokes’ rim protection and length, acknowledging her impact on the series while noting the need to move her more to disrupt her defensive presence.
- Veronica Burton emphasized Stokes’ indispensable role, stating the Valkyries wouldn’t be in position to win a title without her contributions on both ends of the floor.
Why it matters: Stokes, a career role player, is now the defensive anchor and unexpected offensive spark for a Finals-bound team, altering the series balance: Atlanta has failed to score 60 points twice and must win two straight against a defense she commands. Her transformation elevates a second-year franchise’s title shot while redefining late-career veteran impact.
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