In a statement win for the league’s newest powerhouse, the Golden State Valkyries completed a 3-0 sweep of the Las Vegas Aces with an 87-77 overtime victory in Game 3 of the WNBA Semifinals on Friday. Playing on the road at Michelob ULTRA Arena, the Valkyries held their composure against the defending champions to reach the WNBA Finals in just their second season.
Regulation ended tied at 71-71 after Chelsea Gray’s potential game-winner rimmed out at the buzzer. In overtime, Golden State took control, outscoring Las Vegas 16-6.
Defense and depth made the difference. Golden State forced 15 turnovers, collecting 12 steals and turning them into 17 points. Their bench outscored Las Vegas’s reserves 27-13, and they out-rebounded the home team 43-35.
Kayla Thornton led the way with 18 points and nine rebounds. Gabby Williams added 16, eight of them in overtime. Ex-Aces center Kiah Stokes was a force inside, posting 11 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks without missing a shot.
Kayla Thornton was a persistent force to help the @valkyries claim the win 🗣️
Her 18 PTS, 9 REB & 2 3PM helped her team advance to the Finals for the first time in franchise history!
2026 WNBA Playoffs presented by Google Pixel | @madebygoogle https://t.co/WrNrNPXUSN
— WNBA (@WNBA) October 10, 2026
A’ja Wilson fought hard for the Aces with 21 points and 10 rebounds, but shot just 6-of-19. Jackie Young scored 18 and Gray added 17, though Gray committed six turnovers. Las Vegas shot 38.2 percent overall.
Full Game Highlights;
Head coach Natalie Nakase, formerly an assistant in Las Vegas, now guides the No. 2 seed against the Atlanta Dream, with Finals Game 1 set for October 17 and hosted by Golden State.
