Full Breakdown
Valkyries Sweep Aces to Reach First WNBA Finals
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Semifinal Sweep Secures Finals Spot
On October 9, 2026, the second-seeded Golden State Valkyries defeated the defending champion Las Vegas Aces 87-77 in overtime to complete a 3-0 series sweep. Kayla Thornton led Golden State with 18 points, while Gabby Williams added 16, eight in the extra period. Former Aces center Kiah Stokes posted a playoff double-double (11 points, 10 rebounds) and Tiffany Hayes chipped in 11 points. For the Aces, A’ja Wilson scored 21 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, joining DeWanna Bonner as the only postseason players with at least 1,300 points and 600 rebounds. The Valkyries held the Aces to six points in overtime, sealing the series and guaranteeing Golden State’s first Finals appearance.
Background & Context
The Valkyries entered the league in 2025 as the WNBA’s first expansion franchise in over a decade. In their inaugural season they set a record for wins by an expansion team and became the first such franchise to make the playoffs. Free-agent signings—including Williams and Stokes—helped forge a deep, defensive-oriented roster. The Las Vegas Aces had captured three of the previous four championships and were the third seed entering the semifinals. This series marked the first time a Becky Hammon-coached Aces team was swept in the playoffs.
Data & Statistics
- Final score: 87-77 (OT)
- Valkyries overtime margin: 16-6
- Thornton shooting: 5-12 (42 %) with 86 % from the line
- Williams overtime production: 8 points (50 % of her total)
- Valkyries forced 15 turnovers and recorded 12 steals in Game 3
- Held the Aces to 2-of-16 shooting in the first 8 minutes of the third quarter, the fewest points allowed in any postseason quarter in Aces history.
- Posted a league-low 80.4 points allowed per game in the postseason.
Official Statements & Responses
Valkyries forward Gabby Williams described the win as a collective triumph, noting the group’s unity. Aces star A’ja Wilson, honored before the game for a record fifth MVP award, pledged to keep elevating the league despite the loss. Aces coach Becky Hammon praised Golden State’s teamwork, saying the Valkyries “really play great team ball.”
Why It Matters
Golden State’s rapid ascent makes it the quickest expansion franchise ever to reach the WNBA Finals, challenging the league’s traditional power structure. The sweep eliminates a team that had dominated the championship picture for four years, signaling a potential shift toward greater parity. The upcoming Finals will feature two first-time championship contenders—Golden State and the Atlanta Dream—offering a fresh narrative for the league’s 30th season.
What’s Next
The WNBA Finals begin October 17 with the Valkyries holding home-court advantage as the No. 2 seed. Games 1 and 2 will be at the Chase Center in San Francisco, with Games 5 and a possible Game 7 also scheduled there. Atlanta’s Dream entered the playoffs on an unbeaten streak dating back to August 30, and they swept New York in their semifinal series, setting up a historic championship showdown.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It feels special because this is a special group,” — Gabby Williams, Valkyries forward
- “They really play great team ball.” — Becky Hammon, Aces head coach
- “First press conference with the Warriors, I said we will win a championship in the first five years,” — Joe Lacob, Valkyries owner
