Golden State Valkyries sweep Las Vegas Aces to reach WNBA Finals
The Golden State Valkyries defeated the Las Vegas Aces 87-77 in overtime, completing a 3-0 semifinal sweep and advancing to the WNBA Finals against Atlanta.
Golden State clinched a spot in the WNBA Finals on Friday after an 87-77 overtime win over defending champion Las Vegas at Michelob Ultra Arena, completing a three-game sweep in the best-of-five semifinal series. Kayla Thornton led the Valkyries with 18 points, while Gabby Williams added 16 in the crucial stretch. The Aces were paced by MVP A’ja Wilson, who scored 21, with Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray contributing 18 and 17 respectively.
The game remained tight through regulation, with the teams tied at 71-71 in the final seconds. A missed layup by Williams and a buzzer-beating attempt by Gray that bounced out sent the contest into overtime, where Golden State outscored Las Vegas 16-6. The Valkyries’ bench contributed 27 points, and the team recorded 12 steals and only one turnover.
"Vegas can make shots with a hand in their face at any time," Valkyries center Kiah Stokes said, noting the Aces appeared fatigued late in the game.
Head coach Natalie Nakase emphasized the depth of her roster, describing it as a “superpower” that allows the team to maintain intensity for the full 40 minutes. The Valkyries’ defensive effort limited the Aces to 26 points after halftime and just six in overtime, securing the series win.
Golden State will open the Finals on Oct. 17 at Chase Center against the Atlanta Dream, who advanced by eliminating New York earlier in the day.