Valkyries Take 2 0 Lead Over Aces in WNBA Semifinals

The Golden State Valkyries defeated the Las Vegas Aces 83-81 on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026, at Chase Center in San Francisco to take a 2-0 lead in the WNBA semifinals. The expansion franchise won through defense, depth and a late Veronica Burton three-pointer.

According to the New York Times, Burton’s 28-foot shot with 43 seconds remaining broke a 76-76 tie and gave Golden State the decisive advantage. The Valkyries are one win away from reaching the WNBA Finals in only their second season.

The Valkyries outrebounded the Aces 39-32 in Game 2 and used their rotation depth to maintain pressure throughout the game, according to Mercury News. Golden State’s bench production and defensive intensity helped create a 17-point lead before Las Vegas mounted a comeback.

Las Vegas coach Becky Hammon criticized her team’s performance after Game 1, which the Aces lost by double digits, describing the effort as poor.

"ass" said Becky Hammon, Las Vegas Aces coach.

The Aces recovered from a 17-point deficit in Game 2 and briefly took a 76-74 lead late in the fourth quarter. Gabby Williams then tied the score before Burton delivered the deciding basket.

"Whoo, child, let me tell you something," said Tiffany Hayes, Golden State Valkyries guard.

Hayes described the tension surrounding Burton’s late shot as the ball traveled toward the rim. The play became the defining moment of a game where the Valkyries relied on contributions from across the roster.

"That Burton 3 was," said Becky Hammon, Las Vegas Aces coach, "massive."

Hammon acknowledged the importance of Burton’s shot as Las Vegas faced a 2-0 series deficit. The Aces were led by A’ja Wilson and Chelsea Gray, who combined for 43 points during the game, according to the New York Times.

Williams also played a key role for Golden State, scoring 20 points on 7-of-17 shooting before trusting Burton with the final attempts.

"I appreciated Gabby trusting me in that moment," said Veronica Burton, Golden State Valkyries guard.

Burton explained the confidence behind the final possession after Williams passed to her twice with the game tied. She had struggled to make an offensive impact earlier in the contest but took the decisive shot when the opportunity arrived.

"Obviously a big moment. Gabby, we trust her with the ball in her hands as well. And so for her to pass it up to me not just once in that possession, but twice.

I didn’t shoot the first one. And so the second one, I knew that one had to go up," said Veronica Burton, Golden State Valkyries guard.

According to the WNBA, Burton averaged 12.2 points, 5.7 assists and 1.6 steals per game during the 2026 regular season while ranking among the league leaders in assists and steals. Her impact helped the Valkyries reach this playoff position.

"I had to do something out there," said Veronica Burton, Golden State Valkyries guard.

The WNBA reported that the league’s 2026 awards race featured Burton among several All-WNBA First Team candidates after she helped the Valkyries during their second season of competition.