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Valkyries vs Aces delivered another dramatic WNBA playoff thriller Wednesday, with the Golden State Valkyries edging the Las Vegas Aces 83-81 to seize a 2-0 lead in their semifinal series. The Valkyries are now one win away from reaching the WNBA Finals.
Golden State survived a remarkable late comeback from the reigning champions, who erased a 17-point deficit and briefly moved in front during the final two minutes. The Valkyries responded with poise, getting a tying midrange basket from Gabby Williams before Veronica Burton struck with the decisive shot.
Valkyries vs Aces Game 2 turns on Burton’s stunning dagger
Burton’s defining moment came after Las Vegas took its first lead of the night with 1:36 remaining. Following a missed shot by Chelsea Gray, the Valkyries guard launched a 28-foot three-pointer over the outstretched arm of A’ja Wilson.
The shot gave Golden State the lead for good and became the signature play of a tense finish. Burton ended the night with eight points, and the long-range basket was her only successful field goal. Yet her composure in the closing seconds proved more important than her overall scoring total.
“That composure — to keep her head in the game and hit that big shot — it was a huge shot,” teammate Tiffany Hayes said, according to ESPN.
Golden State’s explosive depth makes the difference
The Valkyries’ victory once again highlighted the team’s biggest strength: extraordinary depth. Unlike the opening game of the series, when Kaitlyn Chen and Aminata Gueye made major contributions, Game 2 belonged to Hayes, Williams and Kayla Thornton.
- Tiffany Hayes: 21 points on 6-of-10 shooting off the bench
- Gabby Williams: 20 points, including the tying midrange basket
- Kayla Thornton: 16 points in a crucial supporting performance
- Veronica Burton: Eight points and the game-winning three-pointer
Hayes provided the early spark, helping Golden State control the game before Las Vegas began its methodical comeback. The Valkyries’ bench has been among the strongest units in the league, led in part by unanimous Sixth Player of the Year Janelle Salaun.
Coach Natalie Nakase has repeatedly emphasized that the team does not need one player to carry the scoring every night. Instead, Golden State relies on several players being ready to step forward at different moments.
“It’s so valuable to have so many people who can score on any given night,” Nakase said. “It doesn’t matter who scores as long as we’re finding each other and getting quality looks.”
Las Vegas fights back but falls just short
The Aces appeared to be in serious trouble when Golden State opened a 17-point advantage in the third quarter. However, the defending champions showed their experience and gradually cut into the deficit.
Wilson and Gray combined for 43 points, giving Las Vegas the offensive firepower needed to make the finish a contest. Jackie Young added 14 points, while Stephanie Talbot scored 10 in her first postseason appearance.
Despite the comeback, the Aces could not complete the turnaround. Their late lead lasted only moments before Williams tied the score and Burton delivered the shot that put Golden State back in control.
Historic opportunity awaits the Valkyries
The Valkyries are only in their second season after joining the WNBA as the league’s first expansion franchise since 2008. They already made history last season by becoming the first expansion team to reach the postseason in its inaugural year.
Now, Golden State is attempting to make an even bigger breakthrough. A victory in Game 3 would send the Valkyries to the Finals within two years of their founding, a historic achievement for a young franchise that has quickly become a championship contender.
Burton said the team understands that the series is not over, particularly against a Las Vegas group with championship experience. The Aces will host Game 3 with their season on the line, while Golden State will look to maintain its impressive composure and balanced attack.
“Every game we approach as a do-or-die situation,” Burton said. “We are going to approach the next game as such.”
What comes next in the WNBA semifinal series?
Game 3 will take place in Las Vegas on Wednesday. The Aces must win to extend the series, while the Valkyries need one more victory to complete a stunning upset and advance to the WNBA Finals.
Frequently asked questions
What was the result of Valkyries vs Aces Game 2?
The Golden State Valkyries defeated the Las Vegas Aces 83-81 and took a 2-0 lead in the WNBA semifinal series.
Who hit the decisive shot for Golden State?
Veronica Burton hit a 28-foot three-pointer late in the fourth quarter to give the Valkyries the lead for good.
Who led the Valkyries in scoring?
Tiffany Hayes led Golden State with 21 points off the bench. Gabby Williams scored 20, and Kayla Thornton added 16.
How close are the Valkyries to the WNBA Finals?
Golden State needs one more win to reach the Finals. A Game 3 victory would complete a 3-0 semifinal sweep.
Can the Aces still win the series?
Yes. Las Vegas must win Game 3 and then continue the comeback, but the Aces now face elimination after falling behind 2-0.
