Gabby Williams led the Golden State Valkyries to victory in Game 1 of the WNBA semifinals against the Las Vegas Aces with an impressive performance of 25 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists. Kiah Stokes also made a significant contribution with 14 rebounds and three blocked shots. The Valkyries secured a 71-60 win over the defending champions at the Chase Center in San Francisco.
Despite a strong effort from A’ja Wilson, who scored 24 points, and Chelsea Gray, who added 16 points for the Aces, Las Vegas suffered a setback when guard Jewell Loyd sustained a left leg injury in the third quarter. This injury affected their performance, resulting in their lowest point total of the season.
The Valkyries received immense support from their home crowd, with chants of “Gabby! Gabby!” echoing throughout the arena. Williams showcased her scoring prowess, especially in the first half, propelling Golden State to a lead. The energy and enthusiasm from the fans fueled the Valkyries to victory, with confetti raining down at the end of the game.
Looking ahead to Game 2 of the series, the Valkyries are focused on maintaining their momentum. Coach Natalie Nakase, who overcame a health scare in the previous game, praised her team’s resilience and strategic rotations that paid off in the low-scoring contest. The Valkyries’ dominance on the boards, led by Kayla Thornton’s 11 rebounds, played a crucial role in securing the win.
In another game, the Atlanta Dream defeated the New York Liberty in Game 1 of their semifinals series, with Jordin Canada shining with 25 points and five steals in the second half. DeWanna Bonner stepped up in the absence of Allisha Gray, who suffered a hand injury. Atlanta’s strong defensive performance, forcing turnovers and capitalizing on them, proved to be the difference-maker in the game.
The Dream’s victory marked their first win in the semifinals since 2018, maintaining their unbeaten streak in the postseason. Coach Karl Smesko commended his team’s resilience and ability to make crucial plays down the stretch. Game 2 of the series is set to take place in Atlanta, with both teams geared up for a competitive showdown.
