ATLANTA — After getting outplayed in the previous two games of the WNBA Finals and a majority of Game 1, the Golden State Valkyries had to reevaluate their commitment to the identity that led them to the league’s biggest stage.
A playoff series is all about adjustments, and it was time for the Valkyries to shake things up.
Down 2-1, Golden State busted out a full bag of new tricks, introducing just enough chaos to win 67-62 and tie the series at 2-all heading back to San Francisco. The Valkyries shifted their starting lineup for the first time this postseason, trimmed their rotation and played a heavier diet of zone in Game 4.
It resulted in Golden State winning the possession battle and keeping Atlanta out of transition. Sprinkle in some jumpers for the Valkyries’ starting backcourt — Gabby Williams had a team-high 17 points, and Veronica Burton had a critical 3-pointer late in the fourth quarter — and the road team had just enough to eke out a win.
This story will be updated.
This article originally appeared in The Athletic.
Atlanta Dream, Golden State Valkyries, WNBA
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