Justė Jocytė and the Golden State Valkyries stand one win away from a WNBA title after defeating the Atlanta Dream 64-55 on Monday night in San Fransisko, taking a 3-2 lead in the finals series ahead of Game 6 on Thursday.
The Golden State Valkyries hold a 3-2 lead in the WNBA finals following a 64-55 victory over the Atlanta Dream at home on October 26, 2026. Playing in just their second season as a franchise in the league, the San Fransisko club recovered from an early 1-2 deficit in the series by locking down their opponents defensively in consecutive outings. Monday’s low-scoring affair saw the hosts drop just 55 points to the Dream, building on a previous 67-62 defensive battle.
Defensive Execution and Balanced Scoring Power Game 5 Victory
After dropping the opening quarter 13-14, the Valkyries seized control through relentless defense, winning every subsequent quarter to secure the 64-55 final score. Head coach Natalie Nakase utilized a tight eight-player rotation to stifle Atlanta’s attack, holding the visitors to a 29.2 percent shooting clip from the field while capitalizing on opponent errors to win points off turnovers 21-6.
Veronica Burton and Kiah Stokes led the charge for the winners with 13 points and 8 rebounds each. Stokes added three three-pointers and three blocks, earning particular praise from ESPN for her efficiency in hitting five of six attempts from the floor. Tiffany Hayes and Cecilia Zandalasini chipped in 12 points apiece to round out a balanced offensive effort where four Valkyries players reached double figures.
Golden State wins Game 5 at home!The @valkyries take a 3-2 series lead in the 2026 WNBA Finals 👏 https://t.co/3xsYqkQPaq
Atlanta Struggles to Match San Fransisko’s Pace
The Atlanta Dream struggled to maintain offensive rhythm against the aggressive San Fransisko defense, committing 15 turnovers compared to just 7 for the hosts. Rhyne Howard provided the primary resistance for Atlanta with 20 points and 5 rebounds, including three shots from beyond the arc. Angel Reese was held to just 7 points on 2-of-8 shooting, though she managed to pull down 15 rebounds.
Jordin Canada added 12 points and Allisha Gray contributed 10 for the Dream, but the team’s cold shooting hindered any sustained comeback after the break. The defeat leaves Atlanta facing a must-win scenario on their home floor to keep their championship hopes alive.
Justé Jocytė Awaits Championship Opportunity on the Bench
For 20-year-old Lithuanian Justė Jocytė, the historic run has unfolded primarily from the sidelines. Registered for the fifth game, the player did not enter the contest as coach Natalie Nakase relied on her core rotation. Jocytė saw two minutes of action during the series, but has otherwise remained on the bench through consecutive victories.
Jocytė represents the Golden State Valkyries club after beginning her WNBA career with the team.
Valkyries Seek First WNBA Title in Game 6
The Valkyries will travel to Atlanta for the sixth game of the series, scheduled for Thursday, October 29, 2026, at 18.30 Lithuanian time. A victory in Thursday’s matchup would secure the franchise’s first WNBA title in only its second year of existence, while also making Jocytė a WNBA champion. Should the Dream rebound and level the series at 3-3, the decisive seventh game will take place back in San Fransisko.