Australia’s Izzy Borlase’s hopes of winning the WNBA championship are on life support after Atlanta suffered a crucial 64-55 loss to Golden State.
The league’s best-of-seven finals series was level going into Game 5 in San Francisco on Monday, local time.
Former Bendigo Spirit star Veronica Burton was instrumental in helping the Valkyries overcome the tense and physical contest.
The point guard was one of the main faces of the home team’s game-defining rigid defence, posting 13 points, eight rebounds and four blocks, while centre Kiah Stokes registered a season-high 13 points, eight boards and three blocks.
Defeat for Borlase and the Dream means they must win Game 6 in Atlanta on Thursday, local time, and Game 7 in San Francisco to clinch the championship.
Borlase had thrived in the past two matches, registering double-digit scoring performances, but the South Australian was held to just four points and four rebounds in 16 minutes of game time.
Izzy Borlase (centre) was left with the task of trying to stop Golden State’s Gabby Williams (floor). (Getty Images: Thearon W. Henderson)
She had glimpses of brilliance, especially in defence, but making 0-of-6 field goal attempts cruelled her chances of impacting the game.
The rookie’s teammate, superstar centre Angel Reese, was limited to seven points, but had 15 rebounds, while forward Rhyne Howard scored 20 points.
For Golden State, the victory moves them within one win of a historic first championship in just their second season in the competition.
The Valkyries’ Miela Sowah did not take the court, as the Australian is on a development contract and therefore ineligible to feature in the play-offs.
“We’re not done yet. We’ve got one more,” Stokes told USA Network.
“No matter what time we play, all we need is two hoops, 94 feet, and each other.”
Both teams struggled to score in a physical opening to the game, but Howard hit a late triple to help the Dream take a one-point lead into the first break.
Golden State went on a 9-2 run to start the second period, before the buckets dried up and they held strong to lead 25-22 at half-time.
In a stop-start third term, the home team started hot and ended on a high to lead by six points at three-quarter time.
The Valkyries found a new gear in the final term and ballooned their lead to double digits, which Atlanta could not pin back.
AAP
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