Kiah Stokes from the corner for 3 (0:17)

SAN FRANCISCO -- Kiah Stokes couldn't get through her on-court postgame interview following the Golden State Valkyries ' 64-55 win over the Atlanta Dream in Game 5 of the WNBA Finals without MVP chants raining down from the stands at Ballhalla.

Before the playoffs, it would have been an almost inconceivable scene for Stokes, a defensive specialist and role player for most of her career. But her two-way performance Monday night -- a continuation of her breakout postseason and Finals series especially -- has Golden State one win from a WNBA championship in its second year as a franchise.

"Kiah Stokes will be our MVP [if the Valkyries win the championship]," Golden State coach Natalie Nakase said. "I heard chants. Ballhalla, I appreciate you guys. That type of love that came for Kiah Stokes, chanting Kiah, Kiah, Kiah.…