Gabby Williams took responsibility after a poor showing in Game 3 and delivered on Saturday, scoring 17 points to lead the Golden State Valkyries to a 67-62 victory over the Atlanta Dream that evened the WNBA Finals at 2-2.
Defense and adjustments key for Golden State
The Valkyries tightened their defense around Angel Reese, who had posted double-doubles in the first three games of the series. Kiah Stokes anchored the glass, finishing with 16 rebounds, eight of them on the offensive end, and Golden State held Atlanta to 62 points after the Dream’s 97-71 rout in Game 3.
“I didn’t like my last game. I didn’t like who I was in that last game,” said Gabby Williams. “So I think stepping up in that role made me step up also individually. If I want to lead my team, I have to be the one that sets the tone and I have to lead by example, as well. So I think that motivated me to set the tempo today.”
Tiffany Hayes, moved into the starting lineup, provided a second-half scoring spark, pouring in all 13 of her points after halftime. Stokes, a three-time WNBA champion with Las Vegas, emphasized the team’s short-term focus after the Game 3 loss and the importance of stealing a road victory.
“One thing that I had told the team after the last game is the goal when we play on the road ... 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, because our goal was there and could still be accomplished if we won today, and then we go back home.”
Reese struggles in Game 4
Angel Reese, who averaged 25.5 points and 14 rebounds in Atlanta’s two victories, was limited to eight points and nine rebounds on Saturday. Reese missed 10 of her 12 shots and had several fourth-quarter misses near the basket. She acknowledged rushing some attempts.
“I think it was me. I think I rushed a lot on my shots and I didn’t take my time and finish around the basket like I’ve been doing the last three games,” Reese said.
Golden State will host Game 5 of the best-of-seven series on Monday, with the teams now headed to California for a pivotal matchup with the series tied 2-2.
- Final score: Golden State 67, Atlanta 62
- Key contributors: Gabby Williams 17 points; Tiffany Hayes 13 points (all in second half); Kiah Stokes 16 rebounds
- Series status: tied 2-2; Game 5 scheduled Monday in Golden State
