Golden State Valkyries Sweep Defending Champion Aces to Reach WNBA Finals in Second Season

The Golden State Valkyries became the quickest expansion franchise to reach the WNBA Finals, sweeping the defending champion Las Vegas Aces 3-0 with an 87-77 overtime victory in Game 3 on Friday night in Las Vegas. Kayla Thornton scored 18 points and Gabby Williams added 16, including eight in overtime, as the second-year team closed out the series.

The Valkyries trailed by as many as 11 points in the second half and by six with three minutes remaining in regulation. Williams stole the ball from A’ja Wilson with under two minutes left, setting up a Veronica Burton basket that tied the score. The Aces forced overtime on an inbound pass with 27 seconds left. In the extra period the Valkyries outscored the Aces 16-6. Thornton, Williams and Tiffany Hayes scored all of Golden State’s overtime points. Kiah Stokes contributed 11 points and 10 rebounds.

Wilson, honored before the game for her fifth MVP award, scored 21 points on 6-for-19 shooting for Las Vegas. The loss marked the first time a Becky Hammon-coached Aces team had been swept in the playoffs. The Aces had won three of the previous four WNBA titles. Golden State will hold home-court advantage against the Atlanta Dream in a best-of-seven series that begins October 17 at Chase Center in San Francisco. The Dream completed its own 3-0 sweep of the New York Liberty earlier on Friday, winning 85-83 in the decisive game. Angel Reese scored 22 points and Rhyne Howard added 21 for Atlanta.

The Valkyries finished the regular season as the No. 2 seed and went 17-5 at home. They are 4-0 in the playoffs at Chase Center. Neither the Valkyries nor the Dream has won a WNBA championship. Atlanta last reached the Finals in 2013 and was swept in each of its three previous Finals appearances. Teams that lead a playoff series 2-0 are 22-0 in WNBA history, a mark both finalists achieved.

Veronica Burton said after the game, “To be here in this moment is a blessing. We’re making history. This is unimaginable, but for us it’s so realistic. It’s what we expected and what we worked toward.” Williams noted that the team had received little outside belief during the season. The Valkyries’ defensive identity and depth allowed eight players to score at least six points in the clinching game. Coach Natalie Nakase’s group now has a week to prepare for the Dream, who enter the Finals on a 10-game winning streak.

The series opens Saturday, October 17, at 3:30 p.m. ET on NBC. Game 2 follows on October 19, also in San Francisco. The Finals shift to Atlanta for Game 3 on October 22. The matchup pairs two teams that eliminated higher-profile opponents in straight sets and brings a first-time champion regardless of the outcome. Golden State’s path from expansion side to Finals contender in two seasons sets a new benchmark for how quickly a new franchise can contend in the league.