WNBA Reporter Throws Unexpected Name Into Finals MVP Race as Valkyries Close In on Title With Game 5 Win

The 2026 WNBA Finals has been an exhibition of defensive basketball from the two best defensive teams this season. Keeping Angel Reese to just two points in the second half and restricting the Dream to a 29.2% field goal rate saw “MVP” chants ring around the Chase Center on Monday night. The Athletic’s Annie Costabile doubled down on one player’s impact, and it is quite a strong case as the Dream’s field goal percentage dropped to 19 when she defended them.

With both teams playing to their biggest strength in what is the lowest-scoring Finals in league history, Kiah Stokes is the biggest name out there with historic performances.

“Her timing and her aggressiveness are unmatched. She’s entirely the difference maker in this series,” Costabile said on The Athletic’s No Offseason. “I think we’re all kind of spoiled. When we think about Finals MVP performances, a lot of times we’re spoiled by these high-scoring performances, and Kia is just putting something together that’s so different from that, but just as impactful.” 

One block in question came late in the second quarter that showcased Stokes’ timing and aggressiveness. It came as Reese drove towards the basket as her side trailed by four. As the Dream forward darted ahead and breezed past two Valkyries players, Stokes remained big and timed her block to perfection.

Stokes’ next big defensive play came in the third quarter. The Dream had a chance to cut the lead to just three points when double-teamed Allisha Gray found an open Naz Hillmon. With the lane open, Hillmon went ahead with the layup, but Stokes met her at the top for her second block.

ATLANTA, GA – OCTOBER 21: Atlanta forward Angel Reese 5 runs into Golden State center Kiah Stokes 41 during Game Three of the WNBA, Basketball Damen, USA finals between the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream on October 21st, 2026 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, GA. Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire WNBA: OCT 21 Finals Golden State Valkyries at Atlanta Dream EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon261021004

This work without the ball wins championships, but isn’t glamorous with offensive stars dominating the awards in the sport.

While you can find instances of defense being awarded in the NBA Finals, like Kawhi Leonard in 2014 and Andre Iguodala in 2015, the WNBA has largely leaned toward offense, or balance, to say the least. 

The likes of A’ja Wilson, Jonquel Jones, and Breanna Stewart had a strong defensive presence, but were elite on offense. Stokes stands out here as she has scored just 28 points across five games this season.

“The history that she’s making. She set another league record tonight. I think if they do this, Kia has set herself up for Finals MVP,” Costabile added. 

The record in question came was when she made a block on Isobel Borlase. It also marked her sixth straight game with at least three blocks, tying legend Lisa Leslie for the longest streak in playoff history.

Stokes opted to put the team first and not focus on the prospect of being a game away from breaking Leslie’s record. Though she would love to do it, winning a fourth game in the finals is what the 33-year-old’s main aim is.

“I’m just head down, blue-collar hoops and just stepping up to the challenge. It’s the Finals. We are all here to win, and you want to play your best basketball at this point of the season,” the Valkyries star said in the postgame conference.

While Stokes remains modest, praise came from her teammate, Burton, who led her team with a historic stat. She had 13 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 blocks. Burton tied legend Diana Taurasi for the most blocks by a guard in the Finals.

“We’re not here without Kiah,” Burton said after the game. “Every single day, every single game, from the beginning. Just her veteran experience as well. It’s more than just defense.”

Stokes backed up her stellar defensive display with a strong offensive outing that saw her nearly triple her Finals points tally. After 15 points across the first four games, she dropped 13 to record her first double-digit scoring in these Finals.

This included three from deep, with all successful 3-pointers coming in the second half. The last two of Stokes’ shots came from deep, and the second came in the fourth quarter, giving the Valkyries a 52-42 lead as the crowd erupted with a “Ki-ah! Ki-ah!” chant.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – OCTOBER 26: Kiah Stokes 41 of the Golden State Valkyries smiles during a press conference, PK, Pressekonferenz after a win in Game Five of the WNBA, Basketball Damen, USA Finals against the Atlanta Dream on October 26, 2026 at Chase Center in San Francisco, CA. Photo by Matthew Huang/Icon Sportswire WNBA: OCT 26 Finals Atlanta Dream at Golden State Valkyries EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon261026026

At that point, she was even the team’s highest scorer on the night before Burton equalled her as she took the score to 54-44 with 6:27 on the clock.

She shot 5-of-6 from the field, including an efficient 3-of-4 shots from beyond the 3-point line. It was the most 3-pointers she had made in her nine postseason trips. Her 35 minutes on the floor also saw her contribute with 8 rebounds. 

After the game, when the crowd greeted her with MVP chants, the humble veteran had to acknowledge it despite her introversion. Blushing, Stokes quickly waved her hand in gratitude and got back to answering the question.

“She’s too humble y’all,” Burton said it perfectly in the postgame presser.

The Valkyries will now travel to Atlanta for the third time in this series. Stokes loves her fans, but she doesn’t want to come back to “Ballhalla” with the Finals tied at 3-3.

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