A'ja Wilson and the Aces look cooked already after Game 1 loss to Valkyries

The Las Vegas Aces suffered a 71-60 defeat to the Golden State Valkyries in Game 1 of the WNBA semifinals, with coach Becky Hammon calling their performance "a--". Though the Aces have a strong championship pedigree, their loss highlights the significant challenges they face against the Valkyries. The Aces' lack of depth was exposed as NaLyssa Smith's season-ending injury left them short on size and scoring on the bench.

Additionally, the absence of Stephanie Talbot due to a leg injury further weakened their lineup. The Valkyries' dominance in rebounding, with 52-25 margin, gave them an edge. Janelle Saluan, despite limited playing time, scored 11 points from the bench. Aja Wilson, the team's leading scorer, struggled with just four rebounds and a subpar 38.1 shooting percentage.

While the Aces possess star power in Wilson, Jackie Young, and Chelsea Gray, the Valkyries' depth and defensive intensity pose significant challenges. The advantage of playing at home, a strong playoff series, and a potential Game 5 in Golden State further bolster the Valkyries' chances.