The Golden State Valkyries secured a hard-fought 64-55 victory over Atlanta, moving to the brink of claiming the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) championship title. During Monday's pivotal Game 5, Kiah Stokes and Veronica Burton each contributed 13 points to propel their side forward in the best-of-seven series.

Tiffany Hayes and reserve player Cecilia Zandalasini further supported the effort by adding 12 points apiece, while Stokes and Burton anchored the boards with a team-high eight rebounds each. On the opposing side, Atlanta's Rhyne Howard led her team with 20 points, supplemented by Jordin Canada's 12 points.

The Golden State defensive unit executed a masterclass performance, holding Atlanta to a season-low point total on dismal 29 percent shooting from the field (19-of-65). Star player Angel Reese was severely restricted, managing only 7 points on 2-of-8 shooting, though she did pull down a game-high 15 rebounds.

With a 3-2 lead now established, the championship series shifts to Atlanta for the upcoming Thursday matchup. Stokes emphasized after the game that the team remains entirely focused on finishing the job and securing the ultimate prize.

Source: www.aljazeera.com