From SI · · 1m 20s
Valkyries Edge to WNBA Championship
Valkyries clinch WNBA title with gritty team play after Game 5 win.
In brief
Valkyries clinch WNBA title with gritty team play after Game 5 win. Valkyries secure WNBA championship with 64-55 victory over Dream in Game 5, advancing to the title match. Originally reported by SI.
Valkyries' Finals Strategy
Valkyries secure 64-55 win over Dream in Game 5 to reach WNBA championship.
“Valkyries like their finals basketball: a heaping helping of grit, with a pinch of production”
Kiah Stokes' Game 5 Impact
Stokes scores 13 points, 8 rebounds, 3 blocks in Game 5.
“Knocking down three of her four three-point attempts”
Stokes Named MVP
Nakase calls Stokes the most valuable player after Game 5.
“M-v-p chants rained down from a thunderous ballhalla crowd”
Stokes' Defensive Prowess
Stokes sets all-time finals record with 17 blocks.
“One of the best rim protectors in the wnba”
Stokes' Team Impact
Stokes limits Dream to 18 paint points in Game 5.
“Helping hold angel reese to eight and seven points in games 4 and 5”
Nakase's Coaching Style
Nakase emphasizes team play over individual stars.
“I’ve never met 14 players that want to see success in their teammate”
Nakase's Self-Reflection
Nakase admits coaching flaws in Games 2 and 3.
“It’s always on me. It’s always on the head coach’s delivery”
Team's Championship Hopes
Valkyries one win away from clinching WNBA title.
“Righting the ship their way, with candor and an unmistakable mettle”
Stokes' Humility
Stokes emphasizes team over individual glory.
“I feel like if you take any person off our team, we’re not in this position”
Valkyries' Identity
Valkyries play unselfish, unpretentious basketball.
“Not the flashiest or most dazzling, valkyries basketball is unselfish”
Next Game
Valkyries face one more game to secure championship.
“At the end of the day, we just need 94 feet, two hoops and each other”
Championship History
Valkyries join WNBA as expansion team two seasons ago.
“Only two seasons after joining the wnba as an expansion team”
Stokes' Legacy
Stokes a three-time champion with Aces.
“While she’s already a three-time champion with the aces”
Championship Consequence
Valkyries secure WNBA title with team play.
“Not the flashiest or most dazzling, valkyries basketball is unselfish and unapologetically ugly”
What matters most
Valkyries secure WNBA championship with 64-55 victory over Dream in Game 5, advancing to the title match.
