Full Breakdown
Valkyries Stun Aces in Semifinal Opener
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Game 1 Overview
The Golden State Valkyries captured Game 1 of the WNBA semifinals, defeating defending champion Las Vegas Aces 71-60 at Chase Center. Forward Gabby Williams posted a double-double with 25 points, 11 rebounds and five assists, becoming the 10th player ever to record at least 25-10-5 in a playoff game. The Valkyries built a decisive lead early, out-rebounding the Aces 52-25 and holding Las Vegas to its lowest point total of the season. A’ja Wilson led the Aces with 24 points; guard Jewell Loyd left in the third quarter with a left-leg injury and forward Stephanie Talbot was unavailable because of a similar issue.
Path to the Semifinals
Golden State entered the semifinals after a dramatic first-round win over the Dallas Wings, rallying from 16 points down to take Game 3, 77-73. Coach Natalie Nakase returned to the sideline after a brief collapse in the previous game. The victory marked the franchise’s first playoff-series triumph in its second season.
Key Numbers
- Final score: Valkyries 71, Aces 60
- Rebounding margin: 52-25
- Shooting: Valkyries 37.7 % FG, 7-of-24 3-pt; Aces 33 % FG, 9-of-21 3-pt
- Turnovers: 14 each (Aces scored 11 points off Valkyries’ turnovers)
- Individual stats: Williams 25-11-5; Kiah Stokes 14 rebounds, three blocks; Kayla Thornton 11 rebounds, eight points; Veronica Burton 16 points, 10 rebounds, six assists (left in third quarter)
Voices from the Court
Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase said the team’s “strength in numbers” allowed her to rotate fresh players, noting that point guard Veronica Burton was “feeling great” after her brief exit. The Aces confirmed Loyd’s left-leg issue and Talbot’s continued sidelining.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I don't even have the words for it. Like growing up here and knowing what this community has been about, and seeing it at this level, means everything,” — Gabby Williams, forward, Golden State Valkyries
- “The goal here is to win our home games, so yes we did well for the first game but the Aces are championship-caliber, they know what it takes to win,” — Kiah Stokes, forward, Golden State Valkyries
- “We lost the game on the boards, no question about that,” — Becky Hammon, head coach, Las Vegas Aces
What Lies Ahead
Game 2 is scheduled for Wednesday night at Chase Center. Both coaches emphasized protecting home-court advantage; the Aces will look to adjust defensively after the rebounding shortfall, while the Valkyries aim to sustain the offensive flow that propelled them to a 71-60 victory. The series shifts to Las Vegas for Games 3 and 4, with a potential decisive Game 5 if the teams split the first four contests.