Kiah Stokes: A Key Player for the Golden State Valkyries

Kiah Stokes is no stranger to the WNBA Finals, having made four appearances with the Las Vegas Aces in the years 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025, securing three championships and falling just short once.

However, her role this season as the starting center for the Golden State Valkyries feels different—more crucial, perhaps. Stokes, 33, who earned a spot on the All-Defense Second Team, is currently averaging 9.6 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game this postseason. While scoring isn’t her main focus, as she’s only contributing about 3.3 points per game, her defensive presence has been invaluable. In fact, there have been moments where she has outperformed Angel Reese, known as one of the best rebounders in WNBA history.

In a recent game against the Atlanta Dream, Stokes pulled down 16 rebounds and blocked three shots, helping the Valkyries clinch a 67-62 victory. Notably, she became the first player in WNBA history to achieve at least three blocks in four consecutive games, and she now holds the Finals record for the most blocks in a series—14, and counting.

Throughout these Finals, Stokes has secured more rebounds—45—than all players except for Reese, who has 49. Her outstanding performance has contributed significantly to the Valkyries tying the best-of-seven series at 2-2. In Game 4, she effectively limited Reese to just 8 points on a challenging 2-for-12 shooting night, which is quite below Reese’s typical playoff average of 19.4 points.

The Valkyries find themselves just two wins away from achieving a remarkable feat—winning a championship in only their second year in the league. Still, for that to happen, they’ll need strong contributions from the rest of their pivotal players, like Gabby Williams, Veronica Burton, and Tiffany Hayes, among others. Williams has been a dependable scorer, netting 17 points on 7-for-21 shooting in Game 4, and Burton continues to make an impact by contributing 13 points and 5 assists, even when her shooting isn’t on point.

On that Saturday, Hayes stepped up significantly in her first playoff start, scoring 13 of the Valkyries’ 25 points in the second half. Zandalasini also made her mark, adding 10 points on 4-for-8 shooting along with three steals in just 18 minutes of play.

Yet, it’s Stokes who remains the rock for the team. With her record-setting defensive capabilities and ability to control the paint, the Valkyries will need her continued excellence if they’re to rise to the top.