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Valkyries sweep defending champion Aces to make WNBA Finals
ESPN • • general
Key Points:
- The Golden State Valkyries became the first expansion team in WNBA history to reach the Finals within their first two seasons by sweeping the defending champion Las Vegas Aces 3-0, including an 87-77 overtime victory in Game 3.
- The Valkyries, entering the playoffs as the No. 2 seed with the league's best defense, overcame a double-digit deficit in Game 3 through a strong second-half rally and a 17-0 run in the third quarter.
- Key players Gabby Williams, Kayla Thornton, and Veronica Burton led the team, with Williams making a critical defensive play late in regulation to tie the game and the trio scoring all points in overtime.
- Head coach Natalie Nakase praised the team's resilience and unity, highlighting their "strength in numbers" and ability to "level up" under pressure as they prepare to face the Atlanta Dream in the Finals starting October 17.
- The Valkyries have defied expectations by building a competitive roster from expansion draft picks and key free-agent acquisitions, fulfilling their goal of contending for a title within five years ahead of schedule.
