The Golden State Valkyries defeated the Las Vegas Aces 87-77 in overtime on Friday, October 9, completing a 3-0 sweep in the WNBA semifinals and securing their first-ever trip to the WNBA Finals. In just their second season in the league, the Valkyries eliminated the defending champions and established themselves as serious contenders for the WNBA championship.
The Valkyries will now face the Atlanta Dream in the 2026 WNBA Finals. Both teams completed semifinal sweeps, setting up a championship series in which either franchise can win its first title in team history.
Valkyries vs Aces: Game 3 Recap and Final Score
The Valkyries vs Aces Game 3 matchup delivered a dramatic finish, with Golden State overcoming a nine-point halftime deficit before pulling away in overtime.
Las Vegas appeared to have momentum after building its lead in the first half. However, Golden State responded with a stunning 17-0 run in the third quarter, turning the game around and putting the Aces under pressure.
The Aces fought back in the fourth quarter, with Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray helping their team stay competitive. The teams were tied late in regulation, but neither Gabby Williams nor Gray could convert a potential game-winning shot.
Overtime belonged to Golden State. The Valkyries executed on both ends of the floor, and Williams delivered a crucial step-back jumper to extend the lead and put the game out of reach.
The 87-77 victory completed the sweep and ended Las Vegas’ postseason run.
Golden State Valkyries vs Las Vegas Aces Match Player Stats
Kayla Thornton led the Golden State Valkyries with 18 points and nine rebounds, delivering an important performance in the decisive playoff game.
Gabby Williams added 16 points and made several crucial plays during the closing stages. Kiah Stokes was another standout, finishing with 11 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, three blocks and two steals in 37 minutes.
Here are the key player statistics reported for Game 3:
| Player | Team | Points | Rebounds | Other Stats |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kayla Thornton | Valkyries | 18 | 9 | 5-of-12 shooting |
| Gabby Williams | Valkyries | 16 | Not specified | Clutch overtime scoring |
| Kiah Stokes | Valkyries | 11 | 10 | 3 assists, 3 blocks, 2 steals |
| Chelsea Gray | Aces | 17 | Not specified | Just 2 points after halftime |
| A’ja Wilson | Aces | Not specified for Game 3 | Not specified | 23 points per game during the series |
The available report does not provide a complete box score for every player, so the table highlights only the reported statistics.
How the Valkyries Eliminated the Las Vegas Aces
The Golden State Valkyries built their success around aggressive defense, perimeter shooting and consistent team effort. Head coach Natalie Nakase, who previously worked as an assistant with the Aces, helped establish an identity that proved difficult for Las Vegas to overcome.
The Valkyries finished the regular season with a 32-12 record, the second-best mark in the WNBA. Their defensive intensity and ability to generate scoring runs carried over into the postseason.
One of the biggest factors in the series was Golden State’s defense against A’ja Wilson. The five-time WNBA MVP averaged 23 points per game on 41.7% shooting, along with seven rebounds and one assist per game during the semifinal series.
Those numbers were below Wilson’s production in the previous round against the Indiana Fever, when she averaged 32 points and 11.7 rebounds per game while shooting 64.6%.
Kiah Stokes played a key role in limiting Wilson’s impact, while Golden State’s defensive pressure made it difficult for the rest of the Aces’ lineup to find consistent offensive rhythm.
Las Vegas also struggled with foul trouble and injuries. Jackie Young had difficulty finding her shooting rhythm, while Gray could not provide enough scoring in the second half to stop the Valkyries’ comeback.
Golden State Valkyries vs Las Vegas Aces Timeline
The Las Vegas Aces vs Golden State Valkyries timeline featured a major momentum shift after halftime.
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First half: Las Vegas built a nine-point lead and looked positioned to extend the series.
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Third quarter: Golden State produced a remarkable 17-0 run to take control.
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End of the third quarter: The Valkyries held a narrow 53-52 advantage.
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Fourth quarter: The Aces fought back, with Jackie Young helping bring the game level.
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Final seconds: Both teams missed potential game-winning shots, forcing overtime.
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Overtime: Golden State took control, with Gabby Williams delivering a decisive jumper.
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Final score: Valkyries 87, Aces 77.
The result completed a 3-0 series sweep and sent Golden State into the WNBA Finals for the first time.
Why the Las Vegas Aces Lost the Series
The Aces entered the playoffs as defending champions, but Golden State exposed several weaknesses throughout the series.
First, Wilson did not produce at her usual dominant level. Although she remained productive, the Valkyries consistently challenged her attempts and reduced her overall efficiency.
Second, Las Vegas struggled to generate consistent offense from its supporting players. Gray finished Game 3 with 17 points, but only two came after halftime. Young also faced foul trouble and had an inconsistent shooting performance.
Finally, Golden State’s defensive pressure forced difficult possessions and helped fuel the decisive third-quarter run. Once the Valkyries gained momentum, the Aces struggled to regain control.
The sweep was the first suffered by a Las Vegas team coached by Becky Hammon, raising questions about the franchise’s next steps as it looks to return to championship contention.
WNBA Finals Schedule 2026: Valkyries vs Dream
The 2026 WNBA Finals will feature the Golden State Valkyries against the Atlanta Dream. Atlanta secured its place by sweeping the New York Liberty, setting up a matchup between two teams seeking their first championship.
According to the supplied report, Game 1 is scheduled for Saturday, October 17, at 3:30 p.m. ET and will air on NBC and Peacock.
The WNBA Finals schedule is expected to draw significant attention as the Valkyries attempt to cap their rapid rise with a championship in only their second season.
Fans searching for WNBA Finals tickets should check official WNBA and team ticketing channels for confirmed availability, prices and game-day details.
Valkyries vs Aces: Where to Watch
Fans looking for Valkyries vs Aces where to watch information should check the official WNBA schedule and the broadcasters listed for each game.
The supplied coverage identifies NBCSN and Peacock as the broadcast platforms for Game 3 of the semifinal series. Because the matchup has concluded, viewers can look for available replays, highlights and postseason coverage through official WNBA and broadcaster platforms.
For the upcoming WNBA Finals, Game 1 is scheduled to air on NBC and Peacock, according to the published report.
What Comes Next for the Valkyries?
The Golden State Valkyries have quickly developed into one of the WNBA’s most compelling teams. After a strong inaugural campaign in 2025, they improved to a 32-12 regular-season record in 2026 and carried that momentum into the playoffs.
Their sweep of the Aces demonstrates that their success is built on more than individual scoring. Defensive discipline, timely three-point shooting and contributions from players such as Thornton, Williams and Stokes have helped Golden State reach the sport’s biggest stage.
The Atlanta Dream will present another challenge, especially after eliminating the Liberty in convincing fashion. With Angel Reese among the players attracting attention ahead of the Finals, the matchup promises to be a major test for both teams.
Final Takeaway
The Valkyries vs Aces series ended with a statement victory for Golden State. The 87-77 overtime win completed a 3-0 sweep of the defending champions and secured the franchise’s first WNBA Finals appearance.
Now, the Valkyries will face the Atlanta Dream in a championship series scheduled to begin October 17. With both teams chasing their first title, the 2026 WNBA Finals could deliver a historic moment for a new generation of WNBA champions.
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