The Golden State Valkyries are refusing to go away quietly.
Golden State defeated the Atlanta Dream 67-62 in Game 4 of the 2026 WNBA Finals on Saturday, October 24, tying the best-of-seven championship series at two games apiece. After suffering a 26-point defeat in Game 3, the Valkyries responded with a defensive-minded performance and timely baskets to put themselves back in championship contention.
Golden State established control early, taking a 42-26 halftime lead. Atlanta made a push after the break, outscoring the Valkyries in both the third and fourth quarters, but the Dream’s offensive struggles proved too costly.
The Valkyries received 17 points from Gabby Williams and 13 from Veronica Burton, while Atlanta struggled to find consistent scoring beyond Rhyne Howard.
With the series now tied 2-2, the championship has become a best-of-three battle.
Angel Reese’s shooting struggles hurt Atlanta
After delivering dominant performances earlier in the Finals, Angel Reese endured a difficult night when the Dream needed her most.
Reese finished with 8 points and 9 rebounds, shooting just 2-of-12 from the field. Her inability to convert consistently limited Atlanta’s offensive production and prevented the Dream from capitalizing on their second-half comeback.
Reese had been one of Atlanta’s biggest weapons throughout the series, recording 30 points and 16 rebounds in Game 2 before adding 21 points and 12 rebounds in Game 3.
Game 4 was a sharp contrast.
The Valkyries’ defensive effort helped disrupt Atlanta’s rhythm, and Reese was unable to replicate the scoring efficiency that had made her such a difficult matchup in the previous games.
Her nine rebounds still provided value on the glass, but Atlanta needed more offensive production from its star forward in a game that finished with a five-point margin.
Rhyne Howard scores 19, but Atlanta comes up short
Howard led Atlanta with 19 points, including 11 points in the fourth quarter as the Dream attempted to mount a late comeback.
Despite Howard’s scoring push, the Dream could not overcome their early deficit. Golden State’s first-half advantage forced Atlanta to chase the game, and the Valkyries did just enough down the stretch to protect their lead.
Atlanta’s inability to consistently knock down perimeter shots also made Howard’s scoring burden more difficult to manage.
The Dream finished 4-of-23 from three-point range, a 17.4% conversion rate. In a game decided by five points, those missed opportunities loomed large.
Gabby Williams delivers when it matters
Williams led Golden State with 17 points, although she also experienced shooting difficulties, finishing 7-of-21 from the field.
While her overall efficiency was not ideal, some of Williams’ seven made field goals came at critical moments, helping the Valkyries withstand Atlanta’s comeback attempt.
Her willingness to keep attacking proved important in a game where neither team found consistent offensive rhythm.
Veronica Burton added 13 points for Golden State, but she also struggled to find her shooting touch, missing 13 of her 17 field-goal attempts and finishing 4-of-17.
Despite the inefficient shooting from two of their leading scorers, the Valkyries found enough timely offense and defensive stops to secure the victory.
Turnovers become a decisive factor
Atlanta’s ball security was another major issue.
The Dream committed 18 turnovers, which Golden State converted into 16 points. Those extra possessions gave the Valkyries valuable scoring opportunities in a low-scoring contest.
With Atlanta already struggling from beyond the arc, surrendering possessions made the comeback even more difficult.
Golden State’s ability to capitalize on the Dream’s mistakes helped offset its own shooting inefficiency and ultimately proved decisive.
Game 4 team statistics
| Category | Golden State | Atlanta |
| Final score | 67 | 62 |
| First-half points | 42 | 26 |
| Second-half points | 25 | 36 |
| Third-quarter points | 12 | 19 |
| Fourth-quarter points | 13 | 17 |
| Three-point shooting | 4-25 (16%) | 4-of-23 (17.4%) |
| Turnovers | 9 | 18 |
| Points off turnovers | 16 | 8 |
What’s next in the WNBA Finals?
The series is now tied 2-2, with Game 5 becoming a pivotal contest for both teams. Golden State has regained home-court momentum, while Atlanta must regroup after missing an opportunity to take a commanding 3-1 lead.
For the Dream, improved perimeter shooting, fewer turnovers and a bounce-back performance from Reese will be critical. Howard has shown she can shoulder the scoring load, but Atlanta needs more consistent contributions across the lineup.
For Golden State, the challenge is sustaining its defensive intensity while finding more efficient offense from Williams, Burton and the supporting cast.
One thing is certain: the championship is far from decided.
Final: Golden State Valkyries 67, Atlanta Dream 62
WNBA Finals: Tied 2-2
Next up: Game 5.
