Valkyries set WNBA Finals block record with at least 1 more game to play appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Golden State Valkyries rolled up their sleeves and went to work against the Atlanta Dream in Game 5 of the WNBA Finals at Chase Center on Monday. The Valkyries leaned on their unforgiving defense to beat the Dream, 64-55, and move within one win of their first title.
Golden State made life difficult for Atlanta, which shot only 29% from the field. The Valkyries logged nine steals and nine blocks.
In the process, they set a new record, according to the WNBA.
Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)
“The Golden State Valkyries set a new WNBA Finals record with 37 blocks in a single series,” noted the league on X.
To underscore the Valkyries’ impressive defense against the Dream in Game 5, Veronica Burton, a 5-foot-9 guard, had a game-high four blocks. Kiah Stokes added three blocks, while Kaila Charles and Cecilia Zandalasini each had one rejection.
Stokes tallied at least three blocks for the sixth straight game, tying Lisa Leslie’s record for the longest streak in the playoffs.
Golden State limited Angel Reese to seven points on 2-of-8 field goals. Allisha Gray and Jordin Canada combined for 9-of-28 field goals for 22 points.
Coach Natalie Nakase has consistently harped on the importance of defensive effort. The Valkyries were the stingiest team in the regular season, allowing only 75.1 points. They are the only squad to give up fewer than 80 points.
Nakase stressed that they have to be even-keeled, especially with the Dream expected to go all out in Game 6 at State Farm Arena on Thursday.
Stokes and Burton urged their fans to call in sick to watch the game, which is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. PT.
Related: Steve Kerr has YMCA jokes for Valkyries ahead of early WNBA Finals Game 6
Related: Valkyries star Kiah Stokes gets 100% real about finishing WNBA Finals away from ‘Ballhalla’