Full Breakdown
Aces' 92-73 Blowout Over Valkyries Highlights Defensive Dominance
6/22/2026, 12:55:00 PM
Game Overview: Aces 92-73 Victory
On Sunday, June 21, 2026, the Las Vegas Aces beat the Golden State Valkyries 92-73 at Michelob Ultra Arena. A 20-2 run late in the first half gave a 50-30 halftime lead, and the Aces maintained control to secure their fourth home win and third victory over Golden State this season.
Season Context and Stakes
The Aces entered with a 12-4 record, second in the West; the Valkyries were 10-7, fourth in the West. Having split two earlier meetings with Las Vegas winning both, this third and final regular-season matchup affected seeding for the upcoming Commissioner’s Cup championship.
Statistical Highlights
Jackie Young scored 21 points, five assists and shot 9-of-12, including three three-pointers and no turnovers. Her assist total moved her past coach Becky Hammon into second place on the franchise list (1,136 or 1,137 assists). A'ja Wilson added 19 points and nine rebounds; Nalyssa Smith and Jewell Loyd each had 14 points. The Aces shot 46 % from three (11-of-24) while the Valkyries made one of 15 (6.7 %). Valkyries’ top scorer was Cecilia Zandalasini with 12 points; Gabby Williams had 10 points on 11 attempts.
Coaching Perspective on Defense
Coach Becky Hammon highlighted the Aces’ defensive identity, stating that strong defense fuels offensive improvement and that the team executed “really great defense” in the first half. Guard Chelsea Gray emphasized disciplined half-court decision-making and the willingness to forego open shots to preserve defensive structure.
Criticism and Concerns
The Valkyries’ three-point shooting was a major weakness, with a 6.7 % conversion rate in the first half, one of the league’s lowest. The Aces played without guard Chennedy Carter, listed as questionable due to illness, marking her third consecutive missed game; media speculation about her absence has persisted despite the team’s health-related explanation. Golden State’s guard Tiffany Hayes was also listed as questionable with a left-foot contusion.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Young’s career assist total, citing either 1,136 or 1,137 assists after the game. Team records also vary, with one report listing the Aces at 12-4 and another noting an 11-4 record prior to the matchup.
Verbatim Quotes
- “When we play defense, we are just a different animal,” — Becky Hammon, Aces head coach
- “Our offense gets better; everything is helped when we play that way on the floor.” — Becky Hammon, Aces head coach
- “We are starting to find and stack quarters of really great defense.” — Becky Hammon, Aces head coach
- “We were making good decisions in the half court, and the ball was popping,” — Chelsea Gray, Aces guard
What’s Next
The Aces will host the New York Liberty on Tuesday, a game that also serves as a preview of the Commissioner’s Cup championship scheduled for June 30 in Brooklyn. The Valkyries will aim to rebound in their next outing while addressing shooting inefficiencies and potential lineup adjustments due to injuries.
