The Golden State Valkyries defeated the Las Vegas Aces 87-77 in overtime, completing a 3-0 sweep to reach the WNBA Finals.
The Golden State Valkyries made history on October 9, 2026, defeating the Las Vegas Aces 87-77 in overtime in Game 3 of their WNBA semifinal series at Michelob ULTRA Arena. The victory completed a 3-0 sweep, sending the second-seeded Valkyries to the WNBA Finals in just their second season. Golden State demonstrated resilience, defensive intensity, and composure under pressure to eliminate a Las Vegas team that had won three of the previous four WNBA championships. The Aces entered the contest facing elimination after losing the opening two games, but their season ended despite a determined effort in front of their home crowd. For the Valkyries, the result represented another landmark achievement in a remarkable rise from expansion franchise to championship contender.
First Half Struggles
Las Vegas initially controlled the game, establishing an advantage through its experienced backcourt and interior presence. Chelsea Gray delivered an efficient first-half performance, scoring 15 points before halftime, while Jackie Young contributed to the Aces' offensive production. Las Vegas entered the break with a nine-point lead after limiting Golden State's opportunities and capitalizing on its own scoring chances. A'ja Wilson, who had recently earned a record fifth WNBA Most Valuable Player award, remained central to the Aces' efforts. However, Golden State refused to let the deficit determine the outcome. The Valkyries adjusted defensively, increased their pressure on the ball, and began forcing difficult possessions that disrupted Las Vegas' offensive rhythm. Their response after halftime transformed the contest and established the foundation for their historic comeback.
Third Quarter Turnaround
The defining stretch arrived in the third quarter, when Golden State produced a stunning 17-0 run to seize control. Defensive pressure and timely offensive execution combined to silence the Aces for more than seven minutes during the surge. Tiffany Hayes helped ignite the rally with a steal that created a transition opportunity for Kiah Stokes. Kayla Thornton then supplied a crucial three-pointer, while Hayes added points of her own to bring the Valkyries closer. Kaitlyn Chen subsequently scored to give Golden State its first lead, and Stokes completed the run with a corner three-pointer. The defensive sequence was equally important, as the Valkyries forced repeated misses and prevented Las Vegas from finding a reliable scoring response. Golden State outscored the Aces 17-7 in the third quarter, turning a nine-point halftime deficit into a lead entering the final period.
Overtime Domination
Las Vegas fought back in the fourth quarter, briefly restoring its advantage and threatening to extend the series. Williams' late steal and Thornton's transition layup tied the game at 69, before Veronica Burton converted a difficult floater to put Golden State ahead. The Aces answered when Gray assisted Young for a tying layup, sending the contest into overtime after neither team converted its final regulation opportunity. The extra period belonged to the Valkyries. Golden State outscored Las Vegas 16-6, made all eight of its free throws, and repeatedly punished defensive mistakes. Williams scored eight points in overtime, while her late step-back midrange jumper with 54.7 seconds remaining delivered a decisive blow. Wilson finished with 21 points and 10 rebounds, while Young scored 18 and Gray added 17. Despite those contributions, the Aces could not overcome Golden State's execution in the closing minutes.
The victory sends Golden State into the WNBA Finals against the Atlanta Dream, who also completed a semifinal sweep by eliminating the New York Liberty. The Valkyries will host Game 1 at Chase Center on October 17, with both franchises pursuing their first championship. Golden State's achievement is particularly significant because it became the quickest expansion team to reach the WNBA Finals, accomplishing the feat in its second season. Meanwhile, Las Vegas must confront an offseason of reflection after its championship defense ended earlier than expected. The Aces' elimination does not diminish their recent accomplishments, but the Valkyries' sweep establishes a new postseason milestone. With momentum, confidence, and contributions from across the roster, Golden State now has an opportunity to turn its historic breakthrough into its first WNBA title.
