Valkyries sweep Aces to clinch first-ever WNBA Finals berth – NBC Sports Bay Area & California
In just the second year of the franchise’s existence, the Golden State Valkyries are headed to the WNBA Finals.
After winning Games 1 and 2 at home, the Valkyries defeated the Las Vegas Aces 87-77 in overtime Friday at Michelob ULTRA Arena to complete a three-game semifinal sweep.
Kayla Thornton led the way with 18 points and nine rebounds, while Kiah Stokes had 11 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks in a thrilling victory to clinch a spot in the WNBA Finals.
Next, Golden State will face the Atlanta Dream, who completed their own three-game sweep Friday to defeat the New York Liberty in the other semifinal game. The Valkyries won all three regular season games against the Dream, with each game taking place over a two-week period between June 24 and July 4.
Game 1 of the WNBA Finals, a best-of-seven series, begins Saturday, Oct. 17 at 12:30 p.m. PT at “Ballhalla,” as the Valkyries have nicknamed their Chase Center home. Golden State has home-court advantage for the series thanks to its higher seed; Games 1, 2, 5 and 7 – the last two only if necessary – will take place at Chase Center.
Despite trailing by nine points at halftime and as many as 11 early in the second half, the Valkyries went on a 17-0 run in the third quarter to take their first lead of the night over the Aces.
The Aces didn’t have it easy at home, however, regaining a six-point advantage in the final three minutes. A’ja Wilson, the three-time reigning WNBA MVP, wasn’t at her best Friday, but she still led all scorers with 21 points to go and 10 rebounds.
But the Valkyries fought back again, responding with an 8-0 run that ultimately helped force overtime.
During overtime, Golden State’s best defense, accompanied by its leading scorer Gabby Williams, took control. Williams scored eight of his 16 points in overtime and the Valkyries outscored the Aces 16-6 in the frame.
In 2025, the Valkyries made the WNBA playoffs in their inaugural season, losing in the first round to the Minnesota Lynx.
A year later, Golden State is four wins away from winning a title — and quickly satisfying owner Joe Lacob’s confident declaration that the team would win a championship in its first five seasons.
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