Full Breakdown
Aces Earn First Home Win, Defeating Valkyries 84-79
6/9/2026, 1:48:24 PM
Aces Secure First Home Victory Over Valkyries
On Saturday, June 6, 2026, the Las Vegas Aces beat the Golden State Valkyries 84-79 at Michelob Ultra Arena. A'ja Wilson posted 28 points and 14 rebounds; Jackie Young recorded a season-high 27 points, converting six of eight three-point attempts. Wilson’s jumper with 52.9 seconds remaining and Young’s three-pointer with 24.2 seconds left sealed the margin.
Season Context
The Aces entered with a 7-3 record, the defending WNBA champions, and had won three straight after two earlier losses. Their 7-3 tally tied the Dallas Wings for the league’s second-best record. The Valkyries, at 6-5, had dropped three of their last four games, including back-to-back road defeats.
Key Performers and Game Statistics
Wilson’s double-double marked her third consecutive and fifth of the season. Young’s six three-pointers accounted for 18 points, her second 20-point effort of the year after earlier scoreless games. Chelsea Gray added 12 points, six rebounds and six assists, surpassing coach Becky Hammon to become the franchise’s all-time assist leader with 1,134. The Aces shot 43 % from three-point range—about ten points above their season average—and recorded 20 points in the paint, limited by former Aces center Kiah Stokes, who returned for the Valkyries. For Golden State, Gabby Williams scored 27 points on 58.8 % shooting (10-of-17), contributing six rebounds.
Impact on Title Defense
The win gave the Aces their first home victory of the season, extending their overall streak to four games and improving their home record. The assist milestone and elevated three-point shooting address earlier offensive gaps, strengthening the team’s position as a contender for the championship.
Official Statements & Responses
Coach Becky Hammon said she had never doubted Young’s abilities and described her performance as inevitable. Young acknowledged personal challenges, emphasizing teammate support and the need to balance off-court issues with on-court duties. Gray described the assist record as a testament to the collective talent of the roster.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I mean, there was never a doubt with Jackie Young in my mind,” — Becky Hammon, Head Coach, Las Vegas Aces
- “I see her work too much, and I have an unbelievable belief in her.” — Becky Hammon, Head Coach, Las Vegas Aces
- “I was just going through it a little bit, and it’s hard to do what I do on the court whenever you’re feeling heavy, and so just trying to kind of balance the two,” — Jackie Young, Guard, Las Vegas Aces
- “I’m just blessed to be in the position that I am healthy, having fun doing it, and enjoying the moment.” — Chelsea Gray, Guard, Las Vegas Aces
What’s Next
The Aces will host the Seattle Storm on Monday at 7 p.m. in Las Vegas. The Valkyries travel to Phoenix for a Tuesday matchup.
