{
  "id": 13358695,
  "title": "The hunted back to being hunters; Aces swept by Valkyries in playoff semis",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/10/the-hunted-back-to-being-hunters-aces-swept-by-valkyries-in-playoff",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-10T07:42:26.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/hunted-back-being-hunters-aces-074226017.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Golden State Valkyries swept the defending champion Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA playoff semifinals, ending the Aces' title defense. After the game, the Aces' three key players, head coach Becky Hammon, star A’ja Wilson, and guard Chelsea Gray, appeared calm with the outcome. The Aces' culture and the expectations placed on them always push them to perform at their absolute best. With Gray leading the team with 21 points, 10 rebounds, one steal, and two blocks, and Wilson contributing 10 rebounds, a steal, and two blocks, the Aces maintained a 45-36 lead at halftime. However, the Valkyries' A’ja Young scored 18 points, including a career-defining performance, to help Golden State secure the win. Despite the loss, the Aces' championship mentality remained intact, and they know they are still in the league to challenge other teams in the future.",
  "summary": "LAS VEGAS – The mood inside the Aces’ press conference room wasn’t necessarily what you’d expect from a team that just got swept.",
  "key_points": [
    "Golden State Valkyries defeat defending champs Las Vegas Aces 2-0 in WNBA playoffs",
    "A’ja Young leads Valkyries with 18 points in Game 3 win",
    "Aces' championship mentality persists despite loss"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Winnipeg Free Press",
        "title": "Valkyries secure WNBA Finals spot with OT win over the Aces, face the Dream next",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/10/valkyries-secure-wnba-finals-spot-with-ot-win-over-the-aces-face-the",
        "published": "2026-10-10T04:11:06.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}