The Golden State Valkyries made unique WNBA Finals history with their starting lineup in their 67-62 win over the Atlanta Dream in Game 4 on Saturday afternoon.
Golden State entered the contest trailing 2-1 in the series after losing Game 3 on the road. They needed a win in Game 4 to even up the series and force a Game 6, an objective they achieved.
The team's starting lineup for Game 4 featured Gabby Williams, Kiah Stokes, Tiffany Hayes, Kaila Charles, and Veronica Burton. It featured changes from Game 3, as Kayla Thornton and Cecilia Zandalsini started in the previous contest. This made history in the record books, per reporter Rebecca Lobo.
“The Valkyries are the first team in WNBA Finals history to change multiple players in their starting lineup in Game 3 or later (without an injury to a starter) since the W went to a 5-game Finals format in 2005. Research: Emily Adams & Zack Collura,” Lobo wrote.
“The only other team that changed 2 starters in Game 3 or later is the Aces in Game 4 of the 2023 Finals, after injuries to Kiah Stokes and Chelsea Gray. Research: Emily Adams & Zack Collura.”
How Valkyries played against Dream
The Valkyries remain alive in this championship series. The young franchise is enjoying incredible success, being two wins away from reaching the mountaintop.
Article Continues BelowGolden State set the tone early on, boasting a 42-27 lead at halftime. Atlanta attempted a rally in the second half, but the visitors did enough to fend off the hosts.
Four players scored in double-digits for Golden State in the win. Gabby Williams led the charge with 17 points, five rebounds, three assists, and three steals. Veronica Burton came next with 13 points and five assists, Tiffany Hayes had 13 points and five rebounds, while Cecilia Zandalasini provided 10 points and three steals.
The Valkyries will look to take a 3-2 series lead when they host the Dream in Game 5. That matchup commences on Oct. 26 as tip-off starts at 8 p.m. ET.