WNBA playoff winners and losers include Angel Reese's clutch gene, Aces
The Dream and Valkyries are one win each from advance to the WNBA Finals. Here are the winners and losers from Game 2 on the semifinals.
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.
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