Angel Reese accused of playing dirty during Game 5 of the WNBA Finals

Angel Reese is, without a doubt, the player attracting the most attention in the WNBA Finals. But this time she has become the center of attention for fans because of her physical play, which many believe has crossed the line.

The Atlanta Dream forward is being accused of using her elbows in a violent manner against Golden State Valkyries players, particularly for the actions observed during the first quarter of Game 5 of the series.

Tough defeat for the Atlanta Dream and Angel Reese

Kiah Stokes delivered a huge performance with 13 points, eight rebounds and three blocks as the Golden State Valkyries moved one win away from their first WNBA championship, defeating the Atlanta Dream 64-55 in Game 5 of the Finals on Monday night.

The second-year expansion franchise now leads the series 3-2 and can clinch the title with a victory in Game 6 on Thursday in Atlanta.

While Angel Reese posted another strong rebounding night with 15 boards, five assists and seven points, she couldn’t replicate the dominant performances that helped Atlanta win the first two games of the series at Chase Center.

Stokes became the unlikely hero for Golden State on a night when leading scorer Gabby Williams struggled offensively. Williams finished with just nine points on 3-of-14 shooting, but the Valkyries once again showed the depth behind coach Natalie Nakase’s “strength in numbers” philosophy.

Veronica Burton matched Stokes with 13 points and eight rebounds, while veteran Tiffany Hayes added 12 points after earning another start following a lineup change that helped Golden State win Game 4.

The Valkyries entered halftime with a slim 25-22 lead, marking the lowest-scoring first half in WNBA Finals history. Neither team found rhythm from beyond the arc, combining to shoot just 5-of-29 from three-point range.

But Golden State took control in the second half, making the biggest plays when it mattered most. Stokes hit two crucial three-pointers, including one late in the third quarter and another with 7:21 remaining, sending the Chase Center crowd into a frenzy with chants of “Ki-ah! Ki-ah!”

The center also made history by recording three or more blocks in six consecutive playoff games, tying Lisa Leslie’s 2003 WNBA postseason record for the longest streak of its kind.

Atlanta struggled to keep pace, committing 17 turnovers that turned into 21 Golden State points. Despite a late push led by Rhyne Howard, the Dream couldn’t overcome the Valkyries’ defensive intensity and clutch execution.

Now, Atlanta faces elimination on Thursday in Game 6 at State Farm Arena, where the Dream must win to force a decisive Game 7 back at Chase Center on Saturday.

Golden State’s rapid rise has already exceeded expectations. When owner Joe Lacob secured the expansion franchise, he predicted a championship within five years. The Valkyries now stand just one victory away from making that bold promise a reality in only their second season.