Tiffany Hayes scores 21 points off the bench, leading the Valkyries to a 2-0 series lead over the Aces in the WNBA Semifinals.
Tiffany Hayes produced one of the biggest performances of the Golden State Valkyries’ young postseason history Wednesday night, exploding for 21 points off the bench as Golden State held off the defending champion Las Vegas Aces 83-81 in Game 2 of the 2026 WNBA Semifinals at Chase Center. The victory gave the Valkyries a commanding 2-0 lead in the best-of-five series and moved the second-year franchise within one win of reaching the WNBA Finals. Hayes was especially impactful because of how efficiently she produced her offense, scoring her 21 points in only 17 minutes while shooting 6-for-10 from the field, including 1-for-2 from three-point range, and making all eight of her free-throw attempts.
Impactful Performance
Hayes immediately provided the type of scoring punch Golden State needed from its second unit. Her ability to attack the basket, convert through contact and capitalize on opportunities around the rim repeatedly kept the Valkyries in control during a game that ultimately came down to the final possession. She finished with 21 points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals, while going 8-for-8 at the free-throw line. Her efficiency was particularly important against a Las Vegas defense featuring four-time WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson, who finished with 24 points and seven rebounds. Hayes’ performance gave Golden State another reliable offensive option alongside Gabby Williams, who added 20 points and five rebounds, and Kayla Thornton, who scored 16.
Facing Her Former Team
The performance was also particularly meaningful because Hayes was facing her former team. She spent the 2024 season with the Aces and was named the 2024 WNBA Sixth Player of the Year, establishing herself as one of the league’s premier reserve scorers. The WNBA officially lists Hayes as the 2024 recipient, while noting that Golden State’s Janelle Salaün won the award in 2026. Hayes therefore entered Game 2 with an established reputation for making an impact without needing starter-level minutes, and she demonstrated exactly why that skill set can become so valuable during the postseason. Against Las Vegas, she turned limited playing time into a game-changing offensive contribution.
Decisive Moments
What made Hayes’ night even more impressive was the timing of her scoring. Golden State established control early, leading 19-11 after the opening quarter and taking a 42-31 advantage into halftime. The Aces fought back during the second half, eventually making the contest a one-possession battle in the final minutes. With the defending champions threatening to complete the comeback, the Valkyries needed composure and timely execution. Veronica Burton ultimately delivered the decisive shot, drilling a deep three-pointer with 41 seconds remaining to put Golden State ahead. She then made two free throws in the closing seconds, while Kiah Stokes came up with a crucial block on Chelsea Gray’s final attempt. Hayes’ earlier scoring helped ensure the Valkyries had enough of a cushion to survive Las Vegas’ late push.
A Veteran's Influence
The result continues an extraordinary postseason journey for Golden State. The Valkyries became the first expansion team in WNBA history to make the playoffs in their inaugural season last year, but Hayes missed that postseason run because of a left knee injury. After returning to the court and signing a one-year deal with Golden State in April 2026, she has now become an important veteran presence during the franchise’s second-season playoff push. Earlier in these playoffs, Hayes scored 18 points off the bench in Golden State’s decisive Game 3 victory over the Dallas Wings, helping the Valkyries advance to the semifinals for the first time. Her scoring against Las Vegas represents another major postseason contribution at a critical moment.
With Golden State now holding a 2-0 advantage, Hayes and the Valkyries are one victory away from an unprecedented trip to the WNBA Finals. The series will move to Las Vegas for Game 3 on Friday, where the defending champions face elimination. For Hayes, Wednesday’s performance was more than a strong statistical outing it was a statement from one of the league’s most experienced veterans that she remains capable of changing a playoff game whenever her team needs her. Her 21-point, eight-free-throw performance in just 17 minutes earned her Player of the Game honors and provided Golden State with the offensive spark necessary to secure an 83-81 thriller.
