Valkyries deal out Aces, complete sweep in Las Vegas to advance to WNBA Finals
The Golden State Valkyries extended a remarkable run in the WNBA playoffs Friday, beating Las Vegas 87-77 in overtime for a 3-game sweep and berth in the Finals in their second season of existence.
Golden State Valkyries secured a 3-1 sweep over the Las Vegas Aces in the 2026 WNBA playoffs, advancing to the Finals against the Atlanta Dream. The Valkyries took Game 3, played at Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas, with the final score of 87-77. Owners Joe Lacob and Jess Smith, along with fans like Bay Area icon E-40, were courtside to witness the remarkable achievement.
The Valkyries' Kayla Thornton led the way with 18 points, while Gabby Williams added 16. Kiah Stokes and Tiffany Hayes contributed 11 points each. The Aces' Aja Wilson led with 21 points, joined by Jackie Young's 18 and Chelsea Gray's 17. The game extended into overtime after a missed layup by Williams with five seconds left, setting up a potential game-winner by Gray that bounced out.
Golden State dominated throughout, with Thornton, Hayes, and Chen leading a 17-point run in the third quarter, temporarily taking a six-point lead. Despite heavy reliance on their star players, the Aces' size advantage proved challenging for the Valkyries, who will now face the Atlanta Dream in the Finals on October 17.
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