Full Breakdown
Aces Trail 2-0 in Semifinals, Face Offseason Decisions on Star Guard Jackie Young
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
The Las Vegas Aces fell behind 2-0 in the WNBA semifinal series against the Golden State Valkyries, losing Game 2 by 83-81 in overtime. The defeat left the defending champions on the brink of elimination as the series shifts back to Las Vegas for Game 3.
Background & Context
The Aces entered the playoffs as three-time champions in four years, built around a “Big Three” of A’ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray and guard Jackie Young. Their season ended without a title after a sweep by the Valkyries, a first-year expansion team that made the playoffs last season.
Data & Statistics
- Game 2 final: Valkyries 83, Aces 81 — WNBA recap.
- Veronica Burton’s decisive 3-pointer came with 41 seconds left; Tiffany Hayes scored 21 off the bench — Mercury News.
- A’ja Wilson posted 24 points on 9-for-16 shooting; Gray added a late 3-pointer to tie the game — WNBA recap.
- Jackie Young missed a free throw with six seconds remaining — WNBA recap.
- Over two games, the Aces were outrebounded 82-50 — Bozeman Daily Chronicle.
- Young’s season averages: 18.9 points, 6.8 assists, 4.4 rebounds, 48.8 % FG, 38.3 % 3-pt — US News.
Official Statements & Responses
Coach Becky Hammon said the team must improve defense and rebounding, calling the lack of “elite defense” an offseason priority — US News.
A’ja Wilson emphasized a balanced approach to retaining Young, offering “big sister” support while respecting her space — US News.
Golden State coach Natalie Nakase announced a tactical shift to foul when leading by three in the final minutes to prevent late-game comebacks — “A player like Arike, a player like Chelsea Gray, they can make big 3s at the end, so we want to be a little bit more in control,” — Nakase.
On-the-Ground Reports
Valkyries guard Veronica Burton called her game-winning three “massive,” reflecting the team’s belief that each possession matters — Bozeman Daily Chronicle.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We’re going to make some adjustments, we’re going to make some moves, try to address our weaknesses,” — Becky Hammon
- “It should help but all the experience, all the records, all the championships, they don’t get to carry over,” — Becky Hammon
- “We're not necessarily focused on what's happened in the past.” — Veronica Burton
Why It Matters / Impact
The 2-0 deficit forces the Aces to confront two issues: securing a free-agent contract with Jackie Young, whose performance makes her a coveted asset, and fixing defensive and rebounding lapses that have hampered their postseason run.
What’s Next
Game 3 returns to Las Vegas; a win forces a decisive Game 5 in San Francisco, while a loss ends the Aces’ title defense. The result will shape the Aces’ offseason moves, especially the negotiation window for Young.