Heather Burns, Callie Fin, Cydney Henderson and Marcus D. Smith, USA TODAY Sat, October 24, 2026 at 10:05 PM UTC · 8 min read About Our Ads Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ATLANTA — Just like that, the WNBA Finals is a best-of-three series.
The Golden State Valkyries evened the Finals with a 67-62 victory over the Atlanta Dream in Game 4 at State Farm Arena on Saturday, Oct. 24. The series is tied 2-2 as it heads back to San Francisco for Game 5 on Monday, Oct. 26.
"The one thing that I had told the team after the last game is the goal, when we play on the road, especially when it's 2-2, just steal one on the road," Golden State center Kiah Stokes, who set a record for blocks in the Finals, said. "So yeah, we lost on what was that Wednesday? But to me, that doesn't mean we're out of anything because our goal could still be accomplished if we won today."
"It was just shake it off and learn from it and then just get ready because nothing was won or lost in Game 3."
Gabby Williams led the Valkyries with 17 points. Tiffany Hayes and Veronica Burton added 13 points each. Cecilia Zandalasini added 10 points off the bench after being moved out of the starting lineup.
Angel Reese , who became the youngest player to record three straight double-doubles in the finals in Game 3, was limited to eight points on 2-of-12 shooting from the field. She added nine rebounds and had six turnovers.
Here are the winners and losers from Game 4 of the WNBA Finals:
The 2026 WNBA Finals continue as the Golden State Valkyries and Atlanta Dream face off in Game 4 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta. Tiffany Hayes of the Golden State Valkyries reacts after her basket against the Atlanta Dream during the fourth quarter in game four of the 2026 WNBA Finals at State Farm Arena on October 24, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images) Gabby Williams of the Golden State Valkyries drives to the basket against Jordin Canada of the Atlanta Dream during the fourth quarter in game four of the 2026 WNBA Finals. (Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images) Tiffany Hayes of the Golden State Valkyries shoots the ball between Angel Reese #5 and Jordin Canada of the Atlanta Dream during the fourth quarter in game four of the 2026 WNBA Finals. (Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images) Golden State Valkyries players react during the second quarter in game four of the 2026 WNBA Finals. (Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images) Rhyne Howard of the Atlanta Dream reacts during the fourth quarter in game four of the 2026 WNBA Finals. (Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images) Tiffany Hayes of the Golden State Valkyries reacts after her basket against the Atlanta Dream during the fourth quarter in game four of the 2026 WNBA Finals. (Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images) Atlanta Dream players huddle during the first quarter in game four of the 2026 WNBA Finals. (Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images) Tiffany Hayes and Kaila Charles of the Golden State Valkyries react during the fourth quarter in game four of the 2026 WNBA Finals. (Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images) Rhyne Howard of the Atlanta Dream shoots the ball against Kiah Stokes of the Golden State Valkyries during the fourth quarter in game four of the 2026 WNBA Finals. (Colin Hubbard, Getty Images) Gabby Williams of the Golden State Valkyries shoots the ball against Jordin Canada of the Atlanta Dream during the third quarter in game four of the 2026 WNBA Finals. (Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images) Veronica Burton of the Golden State Valkyries gestures during the third quarter in game four of the 2026 WNBA Finals. (Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images) Veronica Burton of the Golden State Valkyries shoots the ball against Angel Reese of the Atlanta Dream during the second quarter in game four of the 2026 WNBA Finals. (Colin Hubbard, Getty Images) Kiah Stokes of the Golden State Valkyries passes the ball against Naz Hillmon of the Atlanta Dream during the first quarter in game four of the 2026 WNBA Finals. (Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images) Gabby Williams of the Golden State Valkyries dribbles against Naz Hillmon #00 of the Atlanta Dream during the first quarter in game four of the 2026 WNBA Finals. (Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images) Gabby Williams of the Golden State Valkyries shoots the ball against Jordin Canada of the Atlanta Dream during the first quarter in game four of the 2026 WNBA Finals. (Colin Hubbard, Getty Images) Kiah Stokes and Kaila Charles of the Golden State Valkyries react during the first quarter in game four of the 2026 WNBA Finals. (Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images) Angel Reese of the Atlanta Dream drives to the basket between Kiah Stokes and Veronica Burton of the Golden State Valkyries during the first quarter in game four of the 2026 WNBA Finals. (Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images) Gabby Williams of the Golden State Valkyries looks to shoot the ball against Naz Hillmon of the Atlanta Dream during the first quarter in game four of the 2026 WNBA Finals. (Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images) Veronica Burton of the Golden State Valkyries reacts during the first quarter against the Atlanta Dream in game four of the 2026 WNBA Finals. (Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images) Angel Reese of the Atlanta Dream reacts during the first quarter against the Golden State Valkyries in game four of the 2026 WNBA Finals. (Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images) 1 / 20 Golden State Valkyries, Atlanta Dream battle in WNBA Finals Game 4 The 2026 WNBA Finals continue as the Golden State Valkyries and Atlanta Dream face off in Game 4 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta. Tiffany Hayes of the Golden State Valkyries reacts after her basket against the Atlanta Dream during the fourth quarter in game four of the 2026 WNBA Finals at State Farm Arena on October 24, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images) 1 / 20 Golden State Valkyries, Atlanta Dream battle in WNBA Finals Game 4 The 2026 WNBA Finals continue as the Golden State Valkyries and Atlanta Dream face off in Game 4 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta. Tiffany Hayes of the Golden State Valkyries reacts after her basket against the Atlanta Dream during the fourth quarter in game four of the 2026 WNBA Finals at State Farm Arena on October 24, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images) 2 / 20 Golden State Valkyries, Atlanta Dream battle in WNBA Finals Game 4 Gabby Williams of the Golden State Valkyries drives to the basket against Jordin Canada of the Atlanta Dream during the fourth quarter in game four of the 2026 WNBA Finals. (Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images) 3 / 20 Golden State Valkyries, Atlanta Dream battle in WNBA Finals Game 4 Tiffany Hayes of the Golden State Valkyries shoots the ball between Angel Reese #5 and Jordin Canada of the Atlanta Dream during the fourth quarter in game four of the 2026 WNBA Finals. (Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images) 4 / 20 Golden State Valkyries, Atlanta Dream battle in WNBA Finals Game 4 Golden State Valkyries players react during the second quarter in game four of the 2026 WNBA Finals. (Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images) 5 / 20 Golden State Valkyries, Atlanta Dream battle in WNBA Finals Game 4 Rhyne Howard of the Atlanta Dream reacts during the fourth quarter in game four of the 2026 WNBA Finals. (Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images) 6 / 20 Golden State Valkyries, Atlanta Dream battle in WNBA Finals Game 4 Tiffany Hayes of the Golden State Valkyries reacts after her basket against the Atlanta Dream during the fourth quarter in game four of the 2026 WNBA Finals. (Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images) 7 / 20 Golden State Valkyries, Atlanta Dream battle in WNBA Finals Game 4 Atlanta Dream players huddle during the first quarter in game four of the 2026 WNBA Finals. (Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images) 8 / 20 Golden State Valkyries, Atlanta Dream battle in WNBA Finals Game 4 Tiffany Hayes and Kaila Charles of the Golden State Valkyries react during the fourth quarter in game four of the 2026 WNBA Finals. (Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images) 9 / 20 Golden State Valkyries, Atlanta Dream battle in WNBA Finals Game 4 Rhyne Howard of the Atlanta Dream shoots the ball against Kiah Stokes of the Golden State Valkyries during the fourth quarter in game four of the 2026 WNBA Finals. (Colin Hubbard, Getty Images) 10 / 20 Golden State Valkyries, Atlanta Dream battle in WNBA Finals Game 4 Gabby Williams of the Golden State Valkyries shoots the ball against Jordin Canada of the Atlanta Dream during the third quarter in game four of the 2026 WNBA Finals. (Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images) 11 / 20 Golden State Valkyries, Atlanta Dream battle in WNBA Finals Game 4 Veronica Burton of the Golden State Valkyries gestures during the third quarter in game four of the 2026 WNBA Finals. (Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images) 12 / 20 Golden State Valkyries, Atlanta Dream battle in WNBA Finals Game 4 Veronica Burton of the Golden State Valkyries shoots the ball against Angel Reese of the Atlanta Dream during the second quarter in game four of the 2026 WNBA Finals. (Colin Hubbard, Getty Images) 13 / 20 Golden State Valkyries, Atlanta Dream battle in WNBA Finals Game 4 Kiah Stokes of the Golden State Valkyries passes the ball against Naz Hillmon of the Atlanta Dream during the first quarter in game four of the 2026 WNBA Finals. (Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images) 14 / 20 Golden State Valkyries, Atlanta Dream battle in WNBA Finals Game 4 Gabby Williams of the Golden State Valkyries dribbles against Naz Hillmon #00 of the Atlanta Dream during the first quarter in game four of the 2026 WNBA Finals. (Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images) 15 / 20 Golden State Valkyries, Atlanta Dream battle in WNBA Finals Game 4 Gabby Williams of the Golden State Valkyries shoots the ball against Jordin Canada of the Atlanta Dream during the first quarter in game four of the 2026 WNBA Finals. (Colin Hubbard, Getty Images) 16 / 20 Golden State Valkyries, Atlanta Dream battle in WNBA Finals Game 4 Kiah Stokes and Kaila Charles of the Golden State Valkyries react during the first quarter in game four of the 2026 WNBA Finals. (Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images) 17 / 20 Golden State Valkyries, Atlanta Dream battle in WNBA Finals Game 4 Angel Reese of the Atlanta Dream drives to the basket between Kiah Stokes and Veronica Burton of the Golden State Valkyries during the first quarter in game four of the 2026 WNBA Finals. (Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images) 18 / 20 Golden State Valkyries, Atlanta Dream battle in WNBA Finals Game 4 Gabby Williams of the Golden State Valkyries looks to shoot the ball against Naz Hillmon of the Atlanta Dream during the first quarter in game four of the 2026 WNBA Finals. (Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images) 19 / 20 Golden State Valkyries, Atlanta Dream battle in WNBA Finals Game 4 Veronica Burton of the Golden State Valkyries reacts during the first quarter against the Atlanta Dream in game four of the 2026 WNBA Finals. (Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images) 20 / 20 Golden State Valkyries, Atlanta Dream battle in WNBA Finals Game 4 Angel Reese of the Atlanta Dream reacts during the first quarter against the Golden State Valkyries in game four of the 2026 WNBA Finals. (Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images) Winners Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase making adjustments Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase reminded everyone why there's a Coach of the Year on her resume. Simple and plain, the Valkyries were bullied in Games 2 and 3 and Golden State had enough of it.
Nakase made a lineup adjustment that doubled-down on their defensive identity bringing Tiffany Hayes and Kaila Charles into the fold, as Kayla Thornton and Cecilia Zandalasini were reserves.
With Kiah Stokes as the backline help, the front court changed the tone with their physicality, tenacity and grit. It was an area Golden State lacked in last game. It was evident in Gabby Williams' spirited postgame huddle on the court after their Game 3 loss. That frustration, that fire showed on the court and it resonated.
Hayes really got it going in the second half where she scored all 13 points, including seven in the fourth quarter. She let the Dream know she was cooking every chance she could breathing life into the Valkyries.
Charles and Stokes made things difficult for Dream forward Angel Reese holding her to eight points, nine rebounds and six turnovers. Reese shot 2-for-12 from the field.
Stokes was Stokes, grabbing 16 rebounds, including eight offensive rebounds and three blocks. Charles was a +14 in her 29 minutes. She didn't allow her team to be pushed around. All game she was in Atlanta's head, even drawing a technical foul on Naz Hillmon.
Tiffany Hayes, who was drafted by the Atlanta Dream in 2012, took over in the fourth quarter as the Valkyries stole one on her former team's home court.
She scored seven of her 13 points in the final quarter but also provided an energy shift that clearly made a difference as Golden State bounced back from a blowout loss in Game 2.
"Just to give all I had, which is what I always do," Hayes said of her mindset in the must-win game. "Of course, you gotta give a little more. Instead of 110%, you gotta give 120%. We're all fighting, battling. But at the end of the day, we're here for each other and we do it for each other, so I think we showed that today."
In a mic drop moment, Hayes threw some shade on the Dream's sellout audience at State Farm Arena when asked about returning to Balhalla in front of Valkyries fans.
"Get loud and get ready," she said. "Show 'em what the crowd really do."
Golden State Valkyries center Kiah Stokes came out of Game 4 with four points, 16 rebounds and three blocks. She also had three blocks in Game 3, making her the first player in WNBA Finals history to record more than two blocks in four consecutive games. Stokes also passes Sylvia Fowles and Brittney Griner for the most blocks in a WNBA Finals.
"Honestly, that's kinda cool to hear, but I just hang my head on defense. I like to block shots," Stokes said about her new place in the league's record books. "I'm trying to be the last line of defense for our team that allows my guards to bring the pressure a little more. I know they have confidence that I have their backs. So just trying to do what I can do."
Atlanta cut its deficit to six points with 4:49 remaining in the fourth quarter, when Veronica Burton stepped up and knocked down a huge 3-pointer to extend the Valkyries' lead back to nine points. Burton scored Golden State's last six points as it held on to defeat the Dream and even the series, 2-2.
Valkyries head coach called Burton the team's "heart and soul."
"She's literally our leader in terms of never quit, fall down, get back up," Nakase said. "Things are not going our way. It's all right. And I think what was really key tonight is I think she finished with that shot. She said, 'I got it. I got the isolation.' And she just attacked her match up and closed it and really calmed us down.
"Credit to her resilience and her fight."
Burton finished with 13 points , five assists and three rebounds in the win.
When the Atlanta Dream have been able to play physical, they've been at their best. Whether its bully ball offensively or point-of-attack defense on ballhandlers, the Dream dominate when they impose their will on their opponent. There were moments when they tried, but had players in foul trouble which changed the level of aggressiveness.
Allisha Gray had five fouls, as did Isobel Borlase. Gray was hit with her fifth foul early in the final period. The Valkyries were able to go right at her knowing one more and she'd be out. Angel Reese had a rough first half, helping Golden State set the tone. She had three fouls by halftime, but finished with four. Jordin Canada also had four.
The Atlanta Dream gave up 18 turnovers, which is the same amount of field goals they finished with for the game. Angel Reese had a game-high six of those turnovers.
Gabby Williams, who led the Valkyries in scoring with 17 points, emphasized defense was the driver behind the Valkyries' turnaround performance in Game 4.
"I'm sorry if I sound redundant, but we just picked up our ball pressure," Williams said. "I think we're a bit more connected today and that gives us our energy."
Angel Reese racked up plenty of history through the first three games of the Finals. Game 3 marked her third straight double-double of the series. She's the youngest player to accomplish such a feat.
That streak ended Saturday as she shot 2-of-12 from the field for eight points and nine rebounds.
"I think it was me, I think I rushed a lot of my shots," Reese said. "I didn't take my time and finish around the basket like I've been doing the last three games. It happens and I'm just looking forward to the next game and I'll just be better."
As much as Reese took accountability, Stokes' defense likely played a role.
"She's been the head of their snake all series. So for me, it was just trying to make every look that she had at the basket difficult," Stokes said. "It's a tough job, but I think being our best defensive big, I gotta own up to that challenge."
Angel Reese's rise as one of the WNBA's premier defenders culminated in the league's Defensive Player of the Year award in 2026. Take a look back at key moments from her journey, from her early basketball career to earning one of the sport's highest individual honors. Above, Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream is honored for winning the WNBA Kia Defensive Player of the Year award before the Semi-Finals Game 1 against the New York Liberty on October 4, 2026 at State Farm Arena at College Park in Atlanta, Georgia. (Paras Griffin, Getty Images) Purdue forward Rickie Woltman dribbles under the net against Maryland forward Angel Reese during the fourth quarter of an NCAA women's basketball game on Feb. 25, 2021, at Mackey Arena in West Lafayette. (Nikos Frazier, Journal & Courier) Iowa guard Caitlin Clark and Maryland forward Angel Reese react to a call during a NCAA Big Ten Conference women's basketball game on Feb. 14, 2022, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa. (Joseph Cress, Iowa City Press-Citizen/USA TODAY NETWORK) Maryland Terrapins forward Angel Reese after hitting a big shot on March 4, 2022, during the women's Big Ten tournament action from Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Indiana won 62-51. (Robert Scheer, IndyStar / USA TODAY Network) Angel Reese takes a shot as LSU women's basketball takes on the Auburn Tigers at the Marovich Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on Jan. 15, 2023. (Scott Clause, USA TODAY Network) LSU Tigers women's college basketball forward Angel Reese drives around South Carolina Gamecocks forward Laeticia Amihere in the second half at Colonial Life Arena on Feb. 12, 2023. (Jeff Blake, USA TODAY Sports) LSU forward Angel Reese pauses at the free throw line against Utah during the fourth quarter in the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA women's basketball tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina, on March 24, 2023. (Ken Ruinard, USA TODAY Network) LSU forward Angel Reese poses for a photo with the NCAA trophy after winning the Elite Eight round of the NCAA women's basketball tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina, on March 26, 2023. (McKenzie Lange, USA TODAY Network) LSU forward Angel Reese holds the NCAA trophy after winning the Elite Eight round of the NCAA women's basketball tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina, on March 26, 2023. (McKenzie Lange, USA TODAY Network) LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese and Iowa Hawkeyes forward Monika Czinano battle for the opening tip in the first half during the Final Four championship game in the NCAA women's basketball tournament at the American Airlines Center on April 2, 2023. (Kirby Lee, Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports) LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese gestures to Iowa Hawkeyes guard Caitlin Clark after the game in the NCAA women's basketball tournament national championship game at the American Airlines Center on April 2, 2023. (Kevin Jairaj, USA TODAY Sports) LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese smiles after receiving her 1,000th rebound game ball before a game against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Pete Maravich Assembly Center on Nov. 30, 2023. (Matthew Hinton, USA TODAY Sports) LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese takes a photo for senior night with former LSU player and NBA champion Shaquille O'Neal, LSU Tigers head coach Kim Mulkey and Reese’s mother, Angel Webb, against the Kentucky Wildcats at Pete Maravich Assembly Center on March 3, 2024. (Matthew Hinton, USA TODAY Sports) Angel Reese poses with WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert after being selected seventh overall pick by the Chicago Sky during the 2024 WNBA Draft at Brooklyn Academy of Music on April 15, 2024 in New York City. (Sarah Stier, Getty Images) Angel Reese #5 of the Chicago Sky takes a hard foul from Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever in the second half during the Fever's home opener at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on May 17, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Gregory Shamus, Getty Images) Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark and Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese shake hands before the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on May 17, 2025. (Trevor Ruszkowski, Imagn Images) Angel Reese #5 of the Chicago Sky looks on against the Dallas Wings during the first half at Wintrust Arena on July 09, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Michael Reaves, Getty Images) Angel Reese #5 of the Chicago Sky drives to the basket against Kiki Iriafen #44 of the Washington Mystics during the 2025 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on July 19, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Steph Chambers, Getty Images) Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream poses for a portrait during media day at Gateway Center Arena on May 04, 2026 in College Park, Georgia. (Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images) Alyssa Thomas #25 of the Phoenix Mercury looks to pass the ball as Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream plays defense during the second quarter at Gateway Center Arena on May 24, 2026 in College Park, Georgia. (Paras Griffin, Getty Images) Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream brings the ball up the court against the New York Liberty during the fourth quarter at Gateway Center Arena on June 11, 2026 in College Park, Georgia. (Paras Griffin, Getty Images) Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream defends during the WNBA Commissioner's Cup game against the Toronto Tempo at Coca-Cola Coliseum on June 14, 2026 in Toronto, Canada. (Chris Tanouye, Getty Images) Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream during the game against the Indiana Fever at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 18, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Andy Lyons, Getty Images) Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever drives to the basket against Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream during the second quarter at State Farm Arena on June 20, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Colin Hubbard, Getty Images) Gabby Williams #1 of the Golden State Valkyries (R) and Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream reach for a rebound in the first quarter at Chase Center on June 24, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Eakin Howard, Getty Images) Gabby Williams #1 of the Golden State Valkyries attempts a basket against Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream in the first quarter at Chase Center on June 24, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Eakin Howard, Getty Images) Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream grabs a rebound against Shakira Austin #0 and Angela Dugalic #32 of the Washington Mystics during the first half of the game at CareFirst Arena on July 2, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Scott Taetsch, Getty Images) Dominique Malonga #14 of Team Coop celebrates with Angel Reese #5 after a basket during the first half in the 2026 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game at the United Center on July 25, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Sage Zipeto, Getty Images) Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream guards Paige Bueckers #5 of the Dallas Wings as Bueckers tries to drive the ball in the second half of a WNBA game at College Park Center on July 29, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Richard Rodriguez, Getty Images) Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream shoots the ball as Monique Billings #25 of the Indiana Fever plays defense during the second quarter at State Farm Arena on August 16, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Paras Griffin, Getty Images) Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream celebrates her three pointer with Jordin Canada #3 during the first half against the Los Angeles Sparks at Crypto.com Arena on August 20, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Harry How, Getty Images) Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream celebrates the win after the game against the New York Liberty at Barclays Center on September 21, 2026 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Atlanta Dream defeated the New York Liberty 95-84. (Elsa, Getty Images) Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream celebrates against the Washington Mystics during the second quarter of Game One of the first round of the WNBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena on September 27, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Paras Griffin, Getty Images) Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream reacts as Shakira Austin #0 of the Washington Mystics looks on during the first half of game two of the first round of the WNBA playoffs at CareFirst Arena on September 30, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Scott Taetsch, Getty Images) Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream celebrates after a play against the Washington Mystics during the second half of game two of the first round of the WNBA playoffs at CareFirst Arena on September 30, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Scott Taetsch, Getty Images) Angel Reese 35 of the Atlanta Dream celebrates after scoring and a foul on the Minnesota Lynx during the first quarter at Target Center on May 09, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Ellen Schmidt, Getty Images) Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream reacts during the second half of game two of the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs against the New York Liberty at State Farm Arena on October 07, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Jonathan Bachman, Getty Images) Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream celebrates after winning game two of the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs against the New York Liberty at State Farm Arena on October 07, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Jonathan Bachman, Getty Images) Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream reacts after making a basket during the first quarter of game three of the SemiFinals of the WNBA Playoffs against the New York Liberty at Barclays Center on October 09, 2026 in New York City. (Ishika Samant, Getty Images) Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream reacts after making a basket during the first quarter of game three of the SemiFinals of the WNBA Playoffs against the New York Liberty at Barclays Center on October 09, 2026 in New York City. (Ishika Samant, Getty Images) 1 / 40 Angel Reese earns WNBA Defensive Player of the Year. See her rise Angel Reese's rise as one of the WNBA's premier defenders culminated in the league's Defensive Player of the Year award in 2026. Take a look back at key moments from her journey, from her early basketball career to earning one of the sport's highest individual honors. Above, Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream is honored for winning the WNBA Kia Defensive Player of the Year award before the Semi-Finals Game 1 against the New York Liberty on October 4, 2026 at State Farm Arena at College Park in Atlanta, Georgia. (Paras Griffin, Getty Images) 1 / 40 Angel Reese earns WNBA Defensive Player of the Year. See her rise Angel Reese's rise as one of the WNBA's premier defenders culminated in the league's Defensive Player of the Year award in 2026. Take a look back at key moments from her journey, from her early basketball career to earning one of the sport's highest individual honors. Above, Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream is honored for winning the WNBA Kia Defensive Player of the Year award before the Semi-Finals Game 1 against the New York Liberty on October 4, 2026 at State Farm Arena at College Park in Atlanta, Georgia. (Paras Griffin, Getty Images) 2 / 40 Angel Reese earns WNBA Defensive Player of the Year. See her rise Purdue forward Rickie Woltman dribbles under the net against Maryland forward Angel Reese during the fourth quarter of an NCAA women's basketball game on Feb. 25, 2021, at Mackey Arena in West Lafayette. (Nikos Frazier, Journal & Courier) 3 / 40 Angel Reese earns WNBA Defensive Player of the Year. See her rise Iowa guard Caitlin Clark and Maryland forward Angel Reese react to a call during a NCAA Big Ten Conference women's basketball game on Feb. 14, 2022, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa. (Joseph Cress, Iowa City Press-Citizen/USA TODAY NETWORK) 4 / 40 Angel Reese earns WNBA Defensive Player of the Year. See her rise Maryland Terrapins forward Angel Reese after hitting a big shot on March 4, 2022, during the women's Big Ten tournament action from Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Indiana won 62-51. (Robert Scheer, IndyStar / USA TODAY Network) 5 / 40 Angel Reese earns WNBA Defensive Player of the Year. See her rise Angel Reese takes a shot as LSU women's basketball takes on the Auburn Tigers at the Marovich Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on Jan. 15, 2023. (Scott Clause, USA TODAY Network) 6 / 40 Angel Reese earns WNBA Defensive Player of the Year. See her rise LSU Tigers women's college basketball forward Angel Reese drives around South Carolina Gamecocks forward Laeticia Amihere in the second half at Colonial Life Arena on Feb. 12, 2023. (Jeff Blake, USA TODAY Sports) 7 / 40 Angel Reese earns WNBA Defensive Player of the Year. See her rise LSU forward Angel Reese pauses at the free throw line against Utah during the fourth quarter in the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA women's basketball tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina, on March 24, 2023. (Ken Ruinard, USA TODAY Network) 8 / 40 Angel Reese earns WNBA Defensive Player of the Year. See her rise LSU forward Angel Reese poses for a photo with the NCAA trophy after winning the Elite Eight round of the NCAA women's basketball tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina, on March 26, 2023. (McKenzie Lange, USA TODAY Network) 9 / 40 Angel Reese earns WNBA Defensive Player of the Year. See her rise LSU forward Angel Reese holds the NCAA trophy after winning the Elite Eight round of the NCAA women's basketball tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina, on March 26, 2023. (McKenzie Lange, USA TODAY Network) 10 / 40 Angel Reese earns WNBA Defensive Player of the Year. See her rise LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese and Iowa Hawkeyes forward Monika Czinano battle for the opening tip in the first half during the Final Four championship game in the NCAA women's basketball tournament at the American Airlines Center on April 2, 2023. (Kirby Lee, Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports) 11 / 40 Angel Reese earns WNBA Defensive Player of the Year. See her rise LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese gestures to Iowa Hawkeyes guard Caitlin Clark after the game in the NCAA women's basketball tournament national championship game at the American Airlines Center on April 2, 2023. (Kevin Jairaj, USA TODAY Sports) 12 / 40 Angel Reese earns WNBA Defensive Player of the Year. See her rise LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese smiles after receiving her 1,000th rebound game ball before a game against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Pete Maravich Assembly Center on Nov. 30, 2023. (Matthew Hinton, USA TODAY Sports) 13 / 40 Angel Reese earns WNBA Defensive Player of the Year. See her rise LSU Tigers forward Angel Reese takes a photo for senior night with former LSU player and NBA champion Shaquille O'Neal, LSU Tigers head coach Kim Mulkey and Reese’s mother, Angel Webb, against the Kentucky Wildcats at Pete Maravich Assembly Center on March 3, 2024. (Matthew Hinton, USA TODAY Sports) 14 / 40 Angel Reese earns WNBA Defensive Player of the Year. See her rise Angel Reese poses with WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert after being selected seventh overall pick by the Chicago Sky during the 2024 WNBA Draft at Brooklyn Academy of Music on April 15, 2024 in New York City. (Sarah Stier, Getty Images) 15 / 40 Angel Reese earns WNBA Defensive Player of the Year. See her rise Angel Reese #5 of the Chicago Sky takes a hard foul from Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever in the second half during the Fever's home opener at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on May 17, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Gregory Shamus, Getty Images) 16 / 40 Angel Reese earns WNBA Defensive Player of the Year. See her rise Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark and Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese shake hands before the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on May 17, 2025. (Trevor Ruszkowski, Imagn Images) 17 / 40 Angel Reese earns WNBA Defensive Player of the Year. See her rise Angel Reese #5 of the Chicago Sky looks on against the Dallas Wings during the first half at Wintrust Arena on July 09, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Michael Reaves, Getty Images) 18 / 40 Angel Reese earns WNBA Defensive Player of the Year. See her rise Angel Reese #5 of the Chicago Sky drives to the basket against Kiki Iriafen #44 of the Washington Mystics during the 2025 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on July 19, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Steph Chambers, Getty Images) 19 / 40 Angel Reese earns WNBA Defensive Player of the Year. See her rise Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream poses for a portrait during media day at Gateway Center Arena on May 04, 2026 in College Park, Georgia. (Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images) 20 / 40 Angel Reese earns WNBA Defensive Player of the Year. See her rise Alyssa Thomas #25 of the Phoenix Mercury looks to pass the ball as Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream plays defense during the second quarter at Gateway Center Arena on May 24, 2026 in College Park, Georgia. (Paras Griffin, Getty Images) 21 / 40 Angel Reese earns WNBA Defensive Player of the Year. See her rise Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream brings the ball up the court against the New York Liberty during the fourth quarter at Gateway Center Arena on June 11, 2026 in College Park, Georgia. (Paras Griffin, Getty Images) 22 / 40 Angel Reese earns WNBA Defensive Player of the Year. See her rise Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream defends during the WNBA Commissioner's Cup game against the Toronto Tempo at Coca-Cola Coliseum on June 14, 2026 in Toronto, Canada. (Chris Tanouye, Getty Images) 23 / 40 Angel Reese earns WNBA Defensive Player of the Year. See her rise Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream during the game against the Indiana Fever at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 18, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Andy Lyons, Getty Images) 24 / 40 Angel Reese earns WNBA Defensive Player of the Year. See her rise Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever drives to the basket against Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream during the second quarter at State Farm Arena on June 20, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Colin Hubbard, Getty Images) 25 / 40 Angel Reese earns WNBA Defensive Player of the Year. See her rise Gabby Williams #1 of the Golden State Valkyries (R) and Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream reach for a rebound in the first quarter at Chase Center on June 24, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Eakin Howard, Getty Images) 26 / 40 Angel Reese earns WNBA Defensive Player of the Year. See her rise Gabby Williams #1 of the Golden State Valkyries attempts a basket against Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream in the first quarter at Chase Center on June 24, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Eakin Howard, Getty Images) 27 / 40 Angel Reese earns WNBA Defensive Player of the Year. See her rise Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream grabs a rebound against Shakira Austin #0 and Angela Dugalic #32 of the Washington Mystics during the first half of the game at CareFirst Arena on July 2, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Scott Taetsch, Getty Images) 28 / 40 Angel Reese earns WNBA Defensive Player of the Year. See her rise Dominique Malonga #14 of Team Coop celebrates with Angel Reese #5 after a basket during the first half in the 2026 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game at the United Center on July 25, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Sage Zipeto, Getty Images) 29 / 40 Angel Reese earns WNBA Defensive Player of the Year. See her rise Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream guards Paige Bueckers #5 of the Dallas Wings as Bueckers tries to drive the ball in the second half of a WNBA game at College Park Center on July 29, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Richard Rodriguez, Getty Images) 30 / 40 Angel Reese earns WNBA Defensive Player of the Year. See her rise Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream shoots the ball as Monique Billings #25 of the Indiana Fever plays defense during the second quarter at State Farm Arena on August 16, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Paras Griffin, Getty Images) 31 / 40 Angel Reese earns WNBA Defensive Player of the Year. See her rise Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream celebrates her three pointer with Jordin Canada #3 during the first half against the Los Angeles Sparks at Crypto.com Arena on August 20, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Harry How, Getty Images) 32 / 40 Angel Reese earns WNBA Defensive Player of the Year. See her rise Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream celebrates the win after the game against the New York Liberty at Barclays Center on September 21, 2026 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Atlanta Dream defeated the New York Liberty 95-84. (Elsa, Getty Images) 33 / 40 Angel Reese earns WNBA Defensive Player of the Year. See her rise Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream celebrates against the Washington Mystics during the second quarter of Game One of the first round of the WNBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena on September 27, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Paras Griffin, Getty Images) 34 / 40 Angel Reese earns WNBA Defensive Player of the Year. See her rise Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream reacts as Shakira Austin #0 of the Washington Mystics looks on during the first half of game two of the first round of the WNBA playoffs at CareFirst Arena on September 30, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Scott Taetsch, Getty Images) 35 / 40 Angel Reese earns WNBA Defensive Player of the Year. See her rise Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream celebrates after a play against the Washington Mystics during the second half of game two of the first round of the WNBA playoffs at CareFirst Arena on September 30, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Scott Taetsch, Getty Images) 36 / 40 Angel Reese earns WNBA Defensive Player of the Year. See her rise Angel Reese 35 of the Atlanta Dream celebrates after scoring and a foul on the Minnesota Lynx during the first quarter at Target Center on May 09, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Ellen Schmidt, Getty Images) 37 / 40 Angel Reese earns WNBA Defensive Player of the Year. See her rise Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream reacts during the second half of game two of the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs against the New York Liberty at State Farm Arena on October 07, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Jonathan Bachman, Getty Images) 38 / 40 Angel Reese earns WNBA Defensive Player of the Year. See her rise Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream celebrates after winning game two of the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs against the New York Liberty at State Farm Arena on October 07, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Jonathan Bachman, Getty Images) 39 / 40 Angel Reese earns WNBA Defensive Player of the Year. See her rise Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream reacts after making a basket during the first quarter of game three of the SemiFinals of the WNBA Playoffs against the New York Liberty at Barclays Center on October 09, 2026 in New York City. (Ishika Samant, Getty Images) 40 / 40 Angel Reese earns WNBA Defensive Player of the Year. See her rise Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream reacts after making a basket during the first quarter of game three of the SemiFinals of the WNBA Playoffs against the New York Liberty at Barclays Center on October 09, 2026 in New York City. (Ishika Samant, Getty Images) Dream free throws The Dream made it to the free-throw line early and often on Saturday, but weren't able to capitalize. Atlanta shot 22-of-31 (71%) from the free-throw line in Game 4, well below their 83.8% average in the 2026 postseason.
"(If) we make all our free throws, we win the game," said Angel Reese, who finished 4-of-6 from the free throw line. "So just small things like that. Obviously turnovers as well, but just getting back to who we are defensively and then offensively, it'll come."
Meanwhile, the Valkyries made the most of their trips to the free throw line, shooting 11-of-13 in Game 4.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: WNBA Finals Game 4 winners and losers include Valkyries' Kiah Stokes, Dream's Angel Reese
Source: Sports
