OAKLAND (Azat TV) – The Golden State Valkyries saved their season on Saturday, defeating the Atlanta Dream 67-62 to level the best-of-seven WNBA Finals series at 2-2. Entering Game 4 under the heavy pressure of a 3-1 deficit possibility, head coach Natalie Nakase adjusted her starting lineup and shortened her rotation, relying heavily on defensive pressure and interior rebounding to alter the trajectory of the series.
The defining battle of Saturday’s matchup at The Mercury News reported came in the paint, where Golden State center Kiah Stokes successfully neutralized Atlanta forward Angel Reese. After dominating Games 2 and 3 with a combined 51 points and 28 rebounds, Reese was held to just eight points on 2-of-12 shooting. Stokes anchored the paint with 16 rebounds and three blocks across 30 minutes, effectively shutting down the primary engine of Atlanta’s offense.
Defensive Shift and Rotation Changes
Nakase’s strategic adjustments proved decisive as the Valkyries forced turnovers on 34 percent of Atlanta’s first-half possessions, building a 42-26 halftime lead. Veronica Burton played nearly the entire game, while a visibly fatigued Gabby Williams gutted out a team-high 17 points with minimal rest. The aggressive defensive approach limited the Dream’s options, forcing Atlanta to rely on perimeter shooting in an ugly, physical contest where both teams struggled from beyond the arc.
Despite a late offensive drought where Golden State missed five consecutive shots, the defense held firm. Reese missed three point-blank attempts inside the final minute, and Burton iced the game with a 12-footer with 34 seconds remaining to secure the 67-62 victory. Tip Hayes also provided critical offense, scoring seven straight points in the fourth quarter to fend off Atlanta’s late surges.
Series Stakes and What Comes Next
With the series now tied at 2-2, the championship shifts back to Chase Center for Game 5 on Monday. The matchup has crystallized into a tactical referendum: The Mercury News analysis notes that Atlanta’s success depends entirely on whether Reese can break free from Golden State’s defensive wall, while the Valkyries look to maintain their physical edge and home-court momentum.