The defending WNBA champions are on the brink of elimination, and a second-year franchise is threatening to bring their title defense to an early end. The Golden State Valkyries defeated the Las Vegas Aces 83-81 Wednesday night at Chase Center in a game that went down to the wire, giving the Vals a commanding 2-0 lead in their best-of-five semifinal series. With the victory, Golden State are one win away from reaching the WNBA Finals in just its second season as a franchise.
Meanwhile, Las Vegas is facing the possibility of an early exit after entering the postseason hoping to defend its championship. The Valkyries controlled much of Game 2 before A'ja Wilson and the Aces stormed back in the second half, threatening to steal a game that appeared to be slipping away. For much of the night, the Valkyries appeared to be heading toward a comfortable victory.
Golden State opened the game with seven unanswered points and held Las Vegas to just 11 points in the first quarter. The Valkyries continued controlling the tempo in the second quarter, taking a 42-31 lead into halftime. But championship experience is difficult to overlook, especially with a player like Wilson leading the way.
After scoring just six points in the first half, the reigning WNBA MVP began imposing her will offensively. Wilson finished with a game-high 24 points and seven rebounds, helping Las Vegas erase a deficit that had reached double digits. The Aces gradually chipped away at Golden State’s advantage before Gray knocked down a 3-pointer to tie the game at 74 with just over two minutes remaining.
Wilson followed with a basket to give Las Vegas its first lead of the night. Suddenly, a game that Golden State had controlled for nearly three quarters appeared to be slipping away. But the Valkyries refused to let their opportunity disappear.
Gabby Williams answered Wilson’s basket with a jumper to tie the game before Veronica Burton delivered the biggest shot of the night. Burton had struggled offensively throughout the contest, but she made her opportunity count when Golden State needed some magic. With the game hanging in the balance, Burton and former Aces center Kiah Stokes delivered when Golden State needed them most.
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