WNBA Semi-Finals 2026: Golden State Valkyries Sweep Las Vegas Aces 3-0 With 87-77 Overtime Win to Make History

The Golden State Valkyries have made history by booking their place in the WNBA Finals just two seasons into the franchise’s existence. After taking the first two games on their home court, Golden State completed a 3-0 sweep of the Las Vegas Aces with an impressive 87-77 overtime victory at Michelob ULTRA Arena on Friday, bringing the defending champions’ semifinal run to an end. Kayla Thornton played a key role in the Valkyries’ breakthrough win, finishing with 18 points and nine rebounds. Kiah Stokes also delivered a strong performance, recording 11 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks as Golden State held its nerve in overtime. The result marks a major milestone for the young franchise, which will now compete for its first WNBA championship. Valkyries Make History With 3-0 Sweep of Aces to Clinch Maiden WNBA Finals Berth The Golden State Valkyries have reached the WNBA Finals in only their second season, becoming the fastest expansion franchise to achieve the milestone. They sealed a 3-0 sweep of the defending champion Las Vegas Aces with an 87-77 overtime victory in Game 3 on Friday night. Kayla Thornton led the charge with 18 points and nine rebounds, while Gabby Williams contributed 16 points, including eight during the decisive extra period. You Might Be Interested In Golden State’s comeback was built on resilience and a strong defensive effort. After trailing by nine at halftime and falling behind by as many as 11 points early in the second half, the Valkyries found their rhythm with a stunning 17-0 run in the third quarter. The surge turned a difficult night into a competitive contest and gave the visitors their first lead of the game, putting pressure on the Aces to respond. The Valkyries refused to fold when Las Vegas regained control late in regulation. Trailing by six in the closing minutes, Golden State fought back to level the score at 69-69 after Williams stripped A’ja Wilson and Thornton finished the transition play. Veronica Burton’s floater briefly put the Valkyries ahead, before Chelsea Gray helped set up Jackie Young’s tying basket to force overtime. Golden State then dominated the extra period 16-6, with Williams and the team’s defense taking charge. Kiah Stokes added 11 points and 10 rebounds, while Tiffany Hayes also finished with 11 points. Las Vegas Aces Fall Short in Overtime as Valkyries End Defending Champions’ Title Run For Las Vegas, the defeat ended a title defense that had looked promising after the team won three of the previous four WNBA championships. Wilson, who was recognized before the game for securing a record fifth MVP award, finished with 21 points and 10 rebounds but struggled to find her shooting touch, making just six of 19 attempts. Young scored 18 points and Gray added 17, yet the Aces could not maintain their advantage when the game entered its decisive stages. The Aces appeared to have the contest under control after building a six-point lead late in the fourth quarter, but Golden State’s late rally forced overtime and shifted the momentum completely. Las Vegas managed only six points in the extra period as the Valkyries pulled away to complete the sweep. The loss sends the third-seeded Aces out of the semifinals, while second-seeded Golden State advances to face the Atlanta Dream in the WNBA Finals, beginning October 17 at Chase Center, where the Valkyries will have home-court advantage. Also Read: Atlanta Dream vs New York Liberty: Angel Reese Leads 85-83 Win as Atlanta Sweeps Semifinals to Reach WNBA Finals 2026