WNBA Finals Game 5 arrives in the Bay: Valkyries and Dream clash for the crown

Winner take all in San Francisco

The most compelling chapter of the 2026 basketball season unfolds on Monday night, 26 October, when the Golden State Valkyries host the Atlanta Dream in a decisive Game 5 at a rocking Chase Center. Locked at 2-2 in the best-of-five series, the expansion Valkyries stand 40 minutes away from completing the most astonishing debut season in modern professional sports. Standing in their path is an Atlanta squad equally driven to secure its first-ever franchise title.

Golden State saved its season on Saturday night in Atlanta, suffocating the Dream in a 67-62 road victory in Game 4. Head coach Natalie Nakase devised a masterclass defensive scheme anchored by center Kiah Stokes, which held Dream superstar Angel Reese to just eight points and snapped her streak of three straight Finals double-doubles. Gabby Williams led the offensive charge with 17 points, five rebounds and three steals, providing veteran leadership in the hostile atmosphere of State Farm Arena.

Adjustments and legacy under the bright lights

The transition back to San Francisco shifts home-court advantage firmly to Golden State, where a sellout crowd of over 18,000 will pack Chase Center. For Atlanta, head coach Tanisha Wright must find answers to release the offensive burden on guard Rhyne Howard, who scored 19 points in Game 4 but lacked consistent perimeter support. Reese’s ability to establish deep post position against Stokes early will likely dictate whether the Dream can silence the Bay Area crowd.

With the WNBA championship trophy polished and waiting courtside, neither team has room for error. An expansion champion has never hoisted the title in year one in the WNBA’s three-decade history. For Atlanta, victory would validate years of rebuilding around their dynamic young core. Tip-off is scheduled for 20:00 ET (17:00 PT) on national television.