Golden State Valkyries sweep Las Vegas Aces to reach WNBA Finals
The second-year Golden State Valkyries defeated the Las Vegas Aces 87-77 in overtime, completing a semifinal sweep and earning a spot in the WNBA Finals against the Atlanta Dream.
The Golden State Valkyries advanced to the WNBA Finals after a 87-77 overtime win over the Las Vegas Aces on Friday at Michelob ULTRA Arena, completing a three-game sweep in the semifinals. Kayla Thornton contributed 18 points and nine rebounds, while Kiah Stokes recorded a double-double with 11 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks.
The Valkyries, who trailed by nine points at halftime and as many as 11 early in the second half, responded with a 17-0 run in the third quarter to take their first lead. The Aces briefly regained a six-point advantage in the final minutes, but Golden State answered with an 8-0 run to force overtime. In the extra period, Gabby Williams added eight of her 16 points as the Valkyries outscored the Aces 16-6.
Three-time WNBA MVP A'ja Wilson led the Aces with 21 points and 10 rebounds. The Valkyries will face the Atlanta Dream, who also swept their semifinal series, in a best-of-seven Finals that begins on Saturday, Oct. 17, with Games 1, 2, 5 and 7 scheduled at Chase Center.
The franchise, in its second season, previously reached the playoffs in 2025, losing in the first round to the Minnesota Lynx.