21 points off turnovers. That is how Golden State beat Atlanta 64-55 in Game 5 and took a 3-2 series lead. One win from the franchise’s first championship. After the game, Natalie Nakase addressed the physicality, and her response made clear she had expected the intensity.

The victory on October 26 gave the Valkyries a 3–2 lead in the best-of-seven Finals, putting them in position to close out the series in Atlanta. The game featured defensive pressure from both sides, with scoring opportunities hard to come by throughout the first half. When Nakase was asked about the physicality, her response reflected the demands of a championship series rather than surprise at how the contest unfolded.

“It’s the Finals. This is it. Both teams really wanna win this… You guys act like I’m shocked. I ain’t shocked about this.”

Nakase’s response made her perspective clear: the physicality was part of competing for a championship, not something that caught her off guard. With the series reaching a decisive stage, both teams had plenty at stake.

Golden State’s ability to maintain its defensive intensity while finding enough offense ultimately separated the Valkyries from Atlanta in a tightly contested Game 5.

Golden State Valkyries’ Defense Puts Them One Win From the WNBA Title

The numbers behind Game 5 help explain why Nakase’s team emerged with the advantage. Golden State won the points-off-turnovers battle 21-6, turning defensive pressure into valuable scoring opportunities. The Valkyries also entered halftime with a narrow 25-22 lead, despite both teams struggling to find consistent offensive rhythm. In a game where every possession mattered, those extra points proved significant as Golden State gradually took control.

Nakase’s defensive approach was reflected in the performances of Kiah Stokes and Veronica Burton. Stokes finished with 13 points, eight rebounds, and three blocks, providing an impact on both ends of the floor. She shot five-for-six from the field, including three-for-four from beyond the arc. Her offensive contribution complemented the rim protection she provided, giving Golden State an important presence in the paint during a low-scoring contest.

Burton also finished with 13 points and eight rebounds, adding four blocks. Her defensive performance was particularly notable because four blocks tied the WNBA Finals single-game record for a guard, previously set by Diana Taurasi in 2009. Tiffany Hayes and Cecilia Zandalasini each contributed 12 points, giving Golden State four players in double figures. That balanced scoring helped the Valkyries maintain their advantage without relying on a single player to carry the offense.

Atlanta, meanwhile, struggled to generate enough offense to keep pace. Angel Reese was held to seven points, a postseason low, on 2-for-8 shooting. The Dream shot just 19-for-65 from the field, or 29.2%. They also connected on only six of 26 three-point attempts, a 23.1% success rate. Golden State limited Atlanta to 18 points in the paint, making it difficult for the Dream to establish a reliable scoring rhythm. Those offensive struggles left little room for error as the Valkyries protected their lead.

The result placed Nakase’s team one victory away from securing the franchise’s first WNBA championship. Game 6 is scheduled for Thursday, October 29, at State Farm Arena in Atlanta. The Dream now face an elimination game at home, where a victory would force a decisive Game 7 back in San Francisco. Golden State, meanwhile, has the opportunity to finish the series on the road.

For Nakase, the challenge is to carry that defensive edge into the next game. Her reaction to the physicality discussion reflected the mindset her team will need again: championship basketball demands toughness, composure, and execution when the stakes are highest. The Valkyries have positioned themselves one win from the title, but Atlanta still has an opportunity to extend the series.