Image Source: ESPN
Dream vs Valkyries delivered another dramatic chapter in the WNBA Finals, with the Golden State Valkyries defeating the Atlanta Dream 67-62 on Saturday, Oct. 24, to tie the series at 2-2. After suffering a 26-point loss in Game 3, Golden State responded with its most determined performance of the series.
The Valkyries entered Game 4 focused on rediscovering the defensive intensity and competitive edge that carried them to the Finals. They did exactly that on the road, building an early advantage before holding off Atlanta’s second-half rally.
Dream vs Valkyries: Golden State Answers the Call
Gabby Williams set the tone for the Valkyries. Following the Game 3 defeat, Williams challenged her teammates to play with more urgency and reminded them not to leave the court with regrets. Her message also pushed her to lead by example.
Williams finished with a team-high 17 points, three assists and three steals. She scored without making a 3-pointer, going 0-for-6 from long range, but her aggressive drives and defensive activity gave Golden State the spark it needed.
“If I want to lead this team, I have to be the one that sets the tone,” Williams said, according to ESPN. “I have to lead by example, as well.”
Golden State made a starting lineup adjustment, bringing Kaila Charles and Tiffany Hayes into the first group while moving Cecilia Zandalasini and Kayla Thornton to the bench. The change helped the Valkyries start quickly, as they produced a 9-0 run in the opening quarter and followed it with a 12-4 surge in the second.
Explosive Defense Changes the Finals Momentum
Kiah Stokes was equally influential at the defensive end. The Valkyries center collected 16 rebounds and blocked three shots, making it four straight Finals games with at least three blocks. That stretch established a WNBA record.
Stokes was especially effective against Angel Reese, who managed only eight points on 16.7% shooting. As the primary defender, Stokes limited Reese to 2-of-10 shooting and disrupted Atlanta’s interior offense throughout the game.
Reese had produced a major performance in Game 3, but Game 4 became her quietest postseason outing. It was also her first career game with single-digit points and rebounds while playing at least 30 minutes.
“I rushed my shots,” Reese said. “I didn’t take my time and finish around the basket like I’ve been doing the last two games.”
Despite the Valkyries’ control, the Dream briefly threatened to seize the momentum after halftime. Atlanta opened the third quarter with a 14-4 run, cutting a 16-point deficit to single digits. Golden State stayed composed, absorbed the pressure and answered enough plays to protect its lead.
Atlanta Dream Face Critical Questions Before Game 5
Rhyne Howard led the Dream with a game-high 19 points and eight rebounds, producing her strongest performance of the series. However, Atlanta struggled to match the defensive discipline and physicality that defined its Game 3 victory.
“Lack of focus on our part,” Howard said. “We kept talking about it, but we didn’t show anything to be about it.”
- Golden State won Game 4 by a 67-62 score.
- The WNBA Finals are now tied 2-2.
- Gabby Williams led the Valkyries with 17 points.
- Kiah Stokes recorded 16 rebounds and three blocks.
- Rhyne Howard paced Atlanta with 19 points and eight rebounds.
The series now becomes a best-of-three contest. Game 5 moves back to San Francisco on Monday, giving the Valkyries a chance to take a 3-2 lead in front of their home crowd. Game 6 is scheduled for Thursday in Atlanta, although the venue remains uncertain because the Atlanta Hawks are scheduled to host the Cleveland Cavaliers that night at State Farm Arena.
The Dream have played their 2026 home playoff games at State Farm Arena, which holds nearly 18,000 fans. Their regular home court at The Gateway at College Park seats approximately 3,500, creating an important logistical question if Atlanta cannot use the larger venue.
For Golden State, Game 4 proved that its identity has not disappeared. For Atlanta, the response must come quickly. With the championship race level, every possession, defensive matchup and adjustment could shape the final outcome of the WNBA Finals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won Game 4 between the Dream and Valkyries?
The Golden State Valkyries defeated the Atlanta Dream 67-62 in Game 4 of the WNBA Finals.
What is the current Dream vs Valkyries series score?
The WNBA Finals are tied 2-2 after Golden State’s Game 4 victory.
Who led the Valkyries in Game 4?
Gabby Williams led Golden State with 17 points, three assists and three steals. Kiah Stokes added 16 rebounds and three blocks.
When is Game 5 of the WNBA Finals?
Game 5 is scheduled for Monday in San Francisco, where the Valkyries will try to take a 3-2 series lead.
Where will Game 6 be played?
Game 6 is scheduled for Thursday in Atlanta, but the exact venue is uncertain because State Farm Arena is also scheduled to host an Atlanta Hawks game.
