Valkyries take Game 2 for 2-0 semifinals lead, can clinch first finals berth in Las Vegas
In the battle of depth versus star power, depth has the advantage through two games of the WNBA semifinals. A’ja Wilson might be the best player alive — the Golden State Valkyries readily concede it — but the Valkyries have so many more players who can survive the crucible of playoff basketball than the Las Vegas Aces. That’s how the Valkyries took a 2-0 lead over the defending champions with an…
The Golden State Valkyries secured a 2-0 lead in the WNBA semifinals with an 83-81 victory over the defending champions, the Las Vegas Aces in San Francisco. The Valkyries started strong, building a 17-point lead by the third quarter and maintaining control throughout the game. Their center duo of Kiah Stokes and Aminata Gueye effectively guarded the paint, while the Valkyries' aggressive perimeter defense made the Aces' offensive efforts futile.
Becky Hammon, the Aces' coach, tried to counter with extended playing time for Kalani Brown and Justine Pissott, and brought Dana Evans back from the injury list for his first postseason minutes. Despite these efforts, the Aces' bench couldn't keep up with the Valkyries' consistent performances. A late rally by the Aces in the fourth quarter, giving them a lead for the first time since the first quarter of Game 1, wasn't enough to overcome the Valkyries' momentum.
Gabby Williams sealed the win with crucial jumpers, and Veronica Burton added a triple. This series could mark the first WNBA finals berth for the Golden State Valkyries, a tale that will be updated.
Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
