There’s an underrated reason why the Valkyries are 2 wins away from a title
Kiah Stokes has been here before — four times, to be exact. Stokes made the WNBA Finals with the Las Vegas Aces in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025, winning three titles as a key rotation player (and coming short once). But, though her contributions were significant in those runs, Stokes has never been more integral […]
Atlanta, Georgia - October 24, 2026 - Kiah Stokes, the starting center for the Golden State Valkyries, is on the verge of leading her team to its first WNBA championship title after just two years in existence. The 33-year-old, who has been on the Finals roster four times before, has proven herself to be the linchpin of the Valkyries' defense - a position she has excelled in for the past four games.
Stokes has recorded 16 rebounds and blocked 3 shots in the team's latest victory over the Atlanta Dream, setting a new Finals record for most blocks in a series. Her contributions have been instrumental in the Valkyries tying the best-of-seven series 2-2. Alongside Gabby Williams, Veronica Burton, Tiffany Hayes, and Cecilia Zandalasini, Stokes will need to maintain her strong performance to secure a championship win.
Williams has been the team's most reliable scorer, Burton has contributed in various ways, and Hayes stepped up in the second half of Game 4 with 13 points and 5 assists. However, it is Stokes' consistent and reliable play on the paint that has been the most crucial factor in the Valkyries' journey towards the championship title.
Written by urgent.news from SB Nation's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
