Kiah Stokes is the Valkyries' unsung hero as maiden Finals berth looms
Maybe the Aces would like a do-over here.
Kiah Stokes has emerged as the unsung hero for the Golden State Valkyries as they edge closer to their maiden WNBA Finals appearance. Despite never scoring a point throughout the postseason, Stokes' defensive prowess has been instrumental in the team's victory over the Las Vegas Aces. In Game 2, Stokes' last-second block of Chelsea Gray secured the Valkyries' crucial win against Las Vegas.
Though the Valkyries experienced a rare second-half collapse, they managed to pull off an 83-81 win, putting them on the brink of the WNBA Finals. This win marks a significant milestone for the second-year franchise, as they take on the defending champions. Stokes, a seasoned center, has thrived in her first season with the Valkyries, showcasing her defensive skills while contributing 21 rebounds and zero points in this playoff series.
Her impact on the court has been invaluable, setting a new record for most rebounds in a single playoff series without scoring any points in the WNBA or NBA. With the Aces' depth compromised by injuries and strategic free-agent decisions, Stokes' contributions are the key difference between the gate-crashers and the best team of the 2020s.
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