Valkyries Reach First WNBA Finals After Sweeping Aces

The Golden State Valkyries secured their first WNBA Finals appearance by defeating the Las Vegas Aces 87-77 in overtime in Game 3 of the semifinals. The victory completed a sweep for the second-seeded Valkyries at Chase Center and sent the team to the Finals in only its second season. According to CBS News, Golden State became the fastest expansion team in WNBA history to reach the Finals after entering the league in 2025.

The Valkyries will host the No. 4 Atlanta Dream starting Oct. 17 after Atlanta also completed a sweep of New York. The Aces entered the series as the defending champions and had won three of the previous four championships. According to the report, Las Vegas was led by A'ja Wilson, who scored 21 points and collected 10 rebounds despite shooting 6-for-19 from the field.

Wilson was honored before the game for winning an unprecedented fifth MVP award. According to CBS News, she joined DeWanna Bonner as the only players in postseason history with 1,300 points and 600 rebounds.

Golden State received key contributions from Kayla Thornton, who scored 18 points, and Gabby Williams, who added 16 points. Williams scored eight of her points during overtime, while former Aces players Kiah Stokes and Tiffany Hayes each finished with 11 points. The Valkyries changed the momentum with a 17-point scoring run that gave them a 53-47 advantage. According to the report, Las Vegas limited the deficit by the end of the quarter but managed only seven points during the period.

Las Vegas later built a six-point lead before Golden State forced a tie at 69-69 with 1:50 remaining. Gabby Williams stole the ball from Wilson, and Thornton completed the transition play with a layup. Veronica Burton then gave the Valkyries the lead with a 9-foot floater before Chelsea Gray helped the Aces force overtime with an inbound pass that led to Jackie Young's tying basket. Golden State controlled the extra period by outscoring Las Vegas 16-6.