Valkyries Even WNBA Finals Series 2-2 with Game 4 Victory

The Golden State Valkyries evened the WNBA Finals series at two games apiece with a hard-fought 67-62 victory over the Atlanta Dream in Game 4. The win allowed the Valkyries to regain their defensive identity after suffering two consecutive losses.

Following a 27-point blowout loss in Game 3, which put them down 2-1 in the series, Valkyries forward Gabby Williams expressed that she didn't recognize her team's performance. "The Valkyries disconnected from the defensive identity that had carried them to this moment," Williams stated. On Saturday, the team refocused on defense, converting 18 Atlanta turnovers into 16 points while committing only nine of their own. Golden State also attempted 18 more field goals than the Dream.

Four Valkyries players scored in double figures, led by Williams with 17 points. Tiffany Hayes contributed 13 points, including seven crucial points in the fourth quarter. Kiah Stokes anchored the defense with 16 rebounds, eight of which were offensive, and added three blocked shots. The team's collective defensive effort limited the Dream to their lowest point total of the season.

For the first time in the series, Atlanta's Angel Reese, considered a front-runner for Finals MVP, was held to eight points and nine rebounds, failing to record a double-double. The Valkyries also adjusted their starting lineup, bringing in Tiffany Hayes and Kaila Charles. However, Williams emphasized that the primary change was a renewed focus on defense and intensity.

"Again, defense," Williams said when asked about the adjustments. "We just picked up our ball pressure. We're a bit more connected today and that gives us our energy."

The Valkyries acknowledged that they needed to reclaim the habits that led to their earlier success. "We stopped letting the kind of officiating dictate the game," Williams added. "Last game, we were very soft. We were expecting a foul call, we were expecting this, but this is the Finals. It's going to be physical. It's going to be tough, so we have to woman up."

Kiah Stokes had previously advised the team to focus on stealing a road game to shift momentum. "The goal when we play on the road… [is] just steal one on the road," Stokes said. "So yeah, we lost on… Wednesday, but to me, that doesn’t mean we’re out of anything, right? Because our goal could still be accomplished if we won today and then we go back home and now it’s the best-of-three series."

With the series tied, the Valkyries have the opportunity to maintain their rediscovered identity as the finals return to Golden State for Game 5.