Kiah Stokes on Ballhalla: “This fanbase, y’all are amazing…”

📍Chase Center, San Francisco 2026 WNBA Finals Game 5: #Valkyries vs. #Dream pre-game shoot around.

Sacramento #Kings injury update: Maxime Raynaud (right patellar subluxation) OUT, reevaluated in 2 weeks. Dylan Cardwell (left calf strain) to begin on-court activities, remains OUT, reevaluated in a week. Keegan Murray (left ankle capsulitis) OUT, reevaluated in 10-14 days

#Athletics update on Max Muncy: The A’s third baseman underwent successful left knee surgery, expected to rehab immediately and make full return to Spring Training 2027.

The Sacramento #Kings have exercised the third-year option on Nique Clifford, according to Kings general manager Scott Perry.

Christian McCaffrey injury update: thigh injury - return questionable , per @NFLonFOX broadcast

A 12-4 run for the Dream in about the last five minutes, cut the Valkyries lead to just six. Tip Hayes in the post scores on Angel Reese and runs back on defense talking, hyping her teammates. Gabby Williams followed with a pull-up midrange. Valks lead back to double-digits.

I like the adjustment to start Kaila Charles. She's been an agitator in this game and talking whenever prevalent. It's necessary. Valkyries need ALL the energy they can get, wherever it comes from.

Pay attention to how these teams come out in the opening 3Q minutes. Dream will look to change momentum, can expect the intensity to pick up.

Valkyries are exercising their "strength in numbers" mantra. Everyone getting involved, offensively. Six scoring players: Zandalasini - 10 points Burton - 7 points Charles - 5 points Stokes- 4 points Team shot 43% FG in 1H. Defense is their M.O. but things change when scoring

Also worth noting, Valkyries are going back to what made them successful in Game 1: limit the touches of Angel Reese. Reese: 1-of-5 (4 pts) in the 1H. Also has 3 fouls, which has also helped with how aggressive she can be defensively. Reese has been smothered has 5 TOs in 16min.

The Valkyries will likely say their defense improved and that's true. But Golden State is playing with confidence and heart, that's been the difference make out there. A complete 180 from prior games.

Valkyries finish the 1Q on a 14-2 run, take a five-point advantage. Nakase's ordeal is defense, well Golden State forced 7 turnovers in the opening period. Already seeing improved defense, overall.

#Valkyries obviously feel the pressure. Want to avoid going down 3-1. They've been physical to start. Is it early? Yes, but they appear to be completely different team from Games 2 and 3. Playing with confidence, with their backs against the wall. Can they sustain it? We'll see.