Valkyries Beat Aces 71-60 in Semifinals Opener Behind Williams' 25 Points
Golden State takes Game 1 at Chase Center as Gabby Williams dominates and Las Vegas loses Jewell Loyd to injury.
KEY POINTS
- Valkyries beat Aces 71-60 in Game 1 of WNBA semifinals at Chase Center
- Gabby Williams posts 25 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists; 18 points in first half
- Aces lose Jewell Loyd to left leg injury in third quarter; held to season-low 60 points
- Natalie Nakase coaches after collapsing Friday; examined by doctor Saturday
- Game 2 scheduled for Wednesday at Chase Center
The Golden State Valkyries defeated the defending champion Las Vegas Aces 71-60 on Sunday to open the WNBA semifinals at Chase Center. Gabby Williams led Golden State with 25 points, 11 rebounds and five assists, scoring 18 points in the first half as the crowd chanted her name. Kiah Stokes added 14 rebounds and three blocks for the Valkyries.
A'ja Wilson scored 24 points and Chelsea Gray added 16 for Las Vegas, but the Aces shot just 33.9% from the floor and were held to their lowest point total of the season. Guard Jewell Loyd left early in the third quarter with a left leg injury and was being evaluated afterward; coach Becky Hammon had no immediate update.
“I'm super happy for her and the success that she's had there. But right now, she's on the other side. So, congratulations to her, but we go to war tomorrow.”
Golden State overcame poor shooting — 37.7% overall and 31.4% in the first half — by grabbing offensive rebounds and forcing extra possessions. Rookie Aminata Gueye contributed nine points in 13 minutes off the bench after joining the team following the FIBA World Cup. Kaitlyn Chen scored 11 points after replacing Veronica Burton in the second half.
Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase was cleared to coach after collapsing on the sideline late in Friday's first-round clincher against Dallas. She was examined by a doctor Saturday and appeared on the bench for Game 1. Game 2 of the best-of-five series is Wednesday at Chase Center.
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