The short version
- Golden State defeated Las Vegas 87-77 in overtime to complete a three-game series sweep.
- Gabby Williams scored eight points in the extra period as the Valkyries outscored their opponents 16-6.
- The team will face the Atlanta Dream in the finals, with the first game scheduled for October 17.
The Golden State Valkyries have advanced to the WNBA Finals, completing a three-game sweep of the defending champion Las Vegas Aces with an 87-77 victory on Friday. The win marks a significant milestone for the expansion franchise, which is competing in only its second season. By securing the series on the road, Golden State avoided a potential fourth or fifth game against a team known for its championship experience and ability to perform under pressure.
The contest required overtime after a late surge by the Valkyries erased a deficit in regulation. Trailing 69-63, Golden State executed an eight-point run to take a 71-69 lead with just over a minute remaining. Veronica Burton’s basket initiated the shift in momentum, but Las Vegas responded quickly. Jackie Young tied the game at 71 with a layup assisted by Chelsea Gray with 26.6 seconds left. A potential game-winning shot by Gray at the buzzer missed, sending the match into extra time.
In overtime, the Valkyries established immediate control, opening the period with a 12-2 run. Gabby Williams was instrumental during this stretch, contributing eight points that helped build an 83-73 lead with less than a minute remaining. The team outscored Las Vegas 16-6 in the extra period, effectively neutralizing the Aces’ ability to mount a comeback and securing the series victory in convincing fashion.
Kayla Thornton led all scorers for Golden State with 18 points and nine rebounds. She shot five of 12 from the field and was efficient from the free-throw line, making six of seven attempts. Williams added 16 points on six-of-16 shooting, while Hayes and Stokes each contributed 11 points. The balanced offensive effort allowed the Valkyries to maintain pressure throughout the game, preventing Las Vegas from finding a consistent rhythm.
Defensive performance was a critical factor in the outcome. Kiah Stokes played a pivotal role on that end of the floor, shooting five of five from the field and grabbing 10 rebounds. Her ability to set screens, move without the ball, and secure offensive boards created extra possessions for Golden State. Teammates praised her veteran presence and winning mentality, noting that her experience as a three-time champion provided stability during high-pressure moments.
For Las Vegas, the loss highlighted defensive shortcomings that coach Becky Hammon acknowledged were insufficient for championship contention. A’ja Wilson, who recently won her fifth WNBA MVP award, led the Aces with 21 points and 10 rebounds but struggled with efficiency, shooting just six of 19 from the field. Young added 16 points, while Gray finished with 17 points and five assists but also committed a game-high six turnovers.
Hammon emphasized that winning titles requires elite defense on both ends of the court, a standard her team failed to meet this season. She noted that while there were moments of strong play, the overall performance was not clicking at the level necessary to compete for a championship. This self-assessment underscores the challenges facing Las Vegas as they look to rebuild and return to contention in future seasons.
The Valkyries will now face the Atlanta Dream in the WNBA Finals. The Dream secured their spot by sweeping the New York Liberty with an 85-83 road victory on Friday. As the fourth seed, Atlanta presents a different challenge for Golden State, which enters as the second seed. The series promises to test whether the Valkyries can sustain their momentum against another determined opponent.
Game 1 of the championship series is scheduled for October 17 in San Francisco. This matchup represents a historic opportunity for the Valkyries, who have rapidly established themselves as a competitive force in the league despite being an expansion team. The outcome will determine whether they can capitalize on their early success and claim the franchise’s first title.
The swift elimination of the defending champions shifts the narrative of the playoffs, highlighting the depth and competitiveness of the WNBA. Golden State’s ability to close out games and perform in overtime demonstrates a level of maturity beyond their years as an organization. As the finals approach, attention will turn to how both teams adjust their strategies for a best-of-five series.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- The Guardian US↗Golden State Valkyries vanquish Las Vegas Aces to reach WNBA finals in second season
