Veronica Burton’s crucial 3-pointer and clutch free throws propelled the Golden State Valkyries to a narrow 83-81 victory over the Las Vegas Aces, giving them a commanding 2-0 lead in the WNBA semifinal series. Tiffany Hayes contributed 21 points to the win.
Hayes described holding her breath as Burton’s shot sealed the game. In a dramatic ending, a missed free throw by Jackie Young gave the Aces a final opportunity, but a critical block by Kiah Stokes secured the win for the Valkyries.
Gabby Williams and Kayla Thornton also delivered strong performances, helping the Valkyries move within one win of their first WNBA Finals appearance. The Valkyries’ success in their second season includes being the first expansion team to make the playoffs in their inaugural season.
The series now shifts to Las Vegas, with the Aces facing elimination as they strive to defend their title. A strong home crowd has been pivotal for the Valkyries, making it a challenging task for the Aces to turn the series around.
In another game, the Atlanta Dream secured a thrilling 101-98 overtime victory against the New York Liberty to take a 2-0 lead in their semifinal series. Angel Reese and Jordin Canada led the Dream to victory, with Reese scoring crucial points in overtime.
The Liberty fought valiantly, with Breanna Stewart’s impressive 35-point performance keeping them in contention. The series heads to New York for Game 3, where the Liberty will look to bounce back and stay alive in the playoffs.
Both games showcased intense competition and stellar performances, setting the stage for more exciting matchups in the WNBA playoffs.
