The Golden State Valkyries edged past the Las Vegas Aces 83-81 in a tense Game 2 at San Francisco’s Chase Center on Wednesday, October 7, taking a 2-0 lead in the best-of-five WNBA semi-final series.
Veronica Burton delivered the decisive moment, sinking a three-pointer with 41.5 seconds remaining to put the Valkyries ahead for good. She then converted two late free throws as Golden State held its nerve in front of an increasingly anxious home crowd.
The Aces had fought back from a 16-point deficit and briefly moved in front during the closing stages. Las Vegas were given one final opportunity after Jackie Young intentionally missed a free throw, but Chelsea Gray’s lay-up attempt was blocked by Kiah Stokes with 1.3 seconds left on the clock.
Tiffany Hayes led the Valkyries with 21 points, while Gabby Williams added 20 and Kayla Thornton scored 16. A’ja Wilson finished with 24 points and seven rebounds for the defending champions, who now face elimination in the next game.
The result leaves Golden State one victory away from reaching the WNBA Finals in only the franchise’s second season. The Valkyries had also won the opening game of the series at Chase Center, beating the Aces 71-60 on Sunday.
The semi-final now moves to Las Vegas for Game 3 on Friday, with the Aces needing a win to keep their title defence alive.
