Valkyries Sweep Aces, Reach WNBA Finals in Year Two

The Golden State Valkyries defeated the Las Vegas Aces 87-77 in overtime on Friday night at Michelob Ultra Arena, completing a 3-0 sweep of the best-of-five semifinal series. The victory sends the second-year expansion franchise to the WNBA Finals against the Atlanta Dream, with Game 1 scheduled for October 17 at Chase Center.

Kayla Thornton led Golden State with 18 points, while Gabby Williams added 16 and Veronica Burton scored a crucial layup late in regulation. Reigning MVP A'ja Wilson scored 21 points for Las Vegas, which also received 18 from Jackie Young and 17 from Chelsea Gray.

“I can't think of another expansion franchise that has done what the Valkyries have been able to do after two seasons. That is an absurd trajectory.”

The Valkyries erased a six-point deficit late in the fourth quarter and forced overtime when Gray's potential game-winning shot at the buzzer rattled out. Golden State then dominated the extra period, outscoring the Aces 16-6 to secure the franchise's first playoff road win.

The series concluded the Aces' three-year reign as champions. Coach Becky Hammon, Wilson, and Gray expressed pride in their effort despite the sweep, with Wilson noting the team faces unrealistic expectations after setting a championship standard.

The Valkyries have sold out all 44 home games across two seasons, set a league attendance record of 18,064 average in 2025, and hold the WNBA's highest valuation at $1 billion. Sports journalist Jemele Hill called the trajectory "absurd" for an expansion team reaching the Finals in two years.

The eight-day gap before the Finals begins on October 17 stems from broadcast scheduling requirements. The league sets fixed championship dates to allow media partners to build advertising packages and maximize ratings amid the WNBA's continued growth.