The Golden State Valkyries defeated the Atlanta Dream 67-62 in Game 4 of the WNBA Finals on Saturday afternoon at State Farm Arena, tying the best-of-seven series at 2-2. Setting the tone early, the Valkyries took the lead in the first quarter and fended off the Dream's attempts to take it back until the final whistle. Golden State's largest advantage reached 16 in the second quarter, marking the biggest lead they have had in this Finals series. Gabby Williams scored a team-high 17 points as a total of four Valkyries reached double digits in points. The two teams will head back to Ballhalla for Game 5 on Monday, Oct. 26 (5 p.m. PT; WATCH: USA).

FAST PACED FIRST QUARTER
Cecilia Zandalasini and Kaila Charles brought an immediate spark to the game in the first. The pair powered a Valkyries 14-4 scoring run, both scoring five points with Zandalasini contributing two steals and Charles recording three rebounds, earning Golden State a five point lead at the end of the opening frame.

Showcasing their defensive identity, the Valkyries held the Dream to their lowest scoring percentage in a first quarter of this Finals series. They successfully locked down Angel Reese, leaving her scoreless in the first quarter.

BREAKING THE GAME OPEN
Feeding off their momentum from the first quarter, the Valkyries continued to extend their lead in the second to a high of 16 points going into halftime. Capitalizing on transitions, the Valkyries scored seven points off the fast break and did not allow the Dream to do the same. They outscored Atlanta 26-15 in the second frame and kept the Dream from having any one player reach double figures in scoring at the half.

DEFENDING THE LEAD
After taking the upper hand in the first half, the Valkyries worked to fend off the Dream's constant attacks. Tiffany Hayes was a bright spot after the break, contributing all of her 13 points over the last two quarters. Atlanta came within four points with 30 seconds left in the fourth quarter but Golden State didn't allow the Dream to connect on their final pair of three-point attempts to end the game.

A big factor for the Valkyries was limiting their own turnovers after having more than 17 in each of the first three games of the series. They won the battle in Game 4 with only nine to Atlanta's 18, scoring 16 points off turnovers compared to their opponent's eight.

"I think we were really aggressive in our coverage," head coach Natalie Nakase said during postgame on generating more turnovers in the second half.

STOKES MAKES WNBA HISTORY
Kiah Stokes' defense has been a highlight of the entire postseason and hit a new milestone in Saturday's game. With her four blocks against the Dream, she set a new record for most blocks in a finals series. She surpasses the previous record of 12 with 14 over the first four games in this best-of-seven matchup.

"I think it's always been in her" Natalie Nakase said on Stokes' incredible defensive run. "She leads by example for our team...Kiah stays consistent."

Stokes also holds the WNBA record for most playoff games with three or more blocks as Game 4 marks the seventh game she's put up those numbers.

UP NEXT
The Valkyries return to Chase Center for Game 5 on Monday, Oct. 26 (5 p.m. PT; USA, Peacock).