Valkyries Stun WNBA, Sweep Defending Champs Aces to Reach Finals

The Golden State Valkyries have made history by becoming the quickest expansion team to reach the WNBA Finals, sweeping the defending champion Las Vegas Aces in a thrilling 87-77 overtime victory in Game 3 on Friday night in Las Vegas. This remarkable achievement sends the second-seeded Valkyries to the championship series with home-court advantage, where they will face the No. 4 seed Atlanta Dream, beginning October 17.

The Valkyries' dominant performance against the Aces underscored a significant trend in playoff history, as teams leading a series 2-0 now boast an impeccable 22-0 record. The Atlanta Dream also secured their spot in the finals by sweeping New York earlier the same night. Golden State has already been tabbed as -125 favorites to clinch the title at DraftKings sportsbook, signaling confidence in their burgeoning dynasty against a Las Vegas team that had won three of the past four championships.

Game 3 itself was a hard-fought battle that extended beyond regulation. Kayla Thornton led the Valkyries with 18 points, delivering crucial plays including a transition layup that tied the game late. Gabby Williams was also instrumental, contributing 16 points, eight of which came in the decisive overtime period, alongside a pivotal steal from A'ja Wilson. Former Aces players Kiah Stokes and Tiffany Hayes each added 11 points for Golden State, with Stokes also grabbing 10 rebounds to complete a double-double.

For the third-seeded Aces, five-time MVP A'ja Wilson, who was honored before the game for her unprecedented fifth MVP award, scored 21 points and secured 10 rebounds. However, her shooting efficiency was challenged, hitting only 6-for-19 from the field. Wilson's postseason performance saw her join DeWanna Bonner as the only players to achieve 1,300 points and 600 rebounds in playoff history. Jackie Young contributed 18 points, and Chelsea Gray added 17 points, including the inbound pass to Young that tied the game with 27 seconds left in regulation, forcing overtime.

The game's momentum swung dramatically. Golden State surged ahead with a 17-point run, establishing a 53-47 lead. The Aces managed to cut the deficit to a single point by the end of the third quarter. Late in the fourth, Las Vegas held a six-point advantage, but the Valkyries clawed their way back. After Williams' steal from Wilson, Thornton’s transition layup made it 69-69 with 1:50 remaining. Veronica Burton's 9-foot floater then gave Golden State the lead with 1:12 on the clock. The Aces' late heroics, tying the score, only delayed the inevitable. In the extra period, the Valkyries showcased their dominance, outscoring Las Vegas 16-6 to seal their historic sweep and punch their ticket to the WNBA Finals.