The Golden State Valkyries are one win away from reaching the WNBA Finals. Just two seasons into the franchise’s existence. And the team standing between them and that remarkable achievement is running out of answers.
Golden State defeated the Las Vegas Aces 83-81 Wednesday night, taking a commanding 2-0 lead in their best-of-five semifinal series. The result was anything but comfortable.
Las Vegas erased a 17-point deficit and threatened to steal a victory that could have dramatically changed the series. Instead, Veronica Burton delivered one of the biggest shots in Valkyries history.
Veronica Burton delivers when Golden State needs a hero
With the game tied at 76 late in the fourth quarter, Burton connected on a deep three-pointer with approximately 41 seconds remaining. The shot gave Golden State a lead it would not surrender. Burton later converted two important free throws as the Valkyries fought to protect their advantage.
Veronica Burton in her bag makes a CLUTCH shot 💰 https://t.co/UMPbeRUTfj
— ESPN (@espn) October 8, 2026
The final defensive stand was just as impressive.
Kiah Stokes blocked a late Las Vegas attempt, helping Golden State survive the closing seconds. Stokes finished with 14 rebounds against her former team. Tiffany Hayes provided a massive contribution off the bench, scoring 21 points. Gabby Williams added 20 points, while Kayla Thornton finished with 13.
Golden State also converted 25 of its 27 free-throw attempts. That efficiency became particularly important during a tense fourth quarter. The Valkyries have now won both semifinal games at home and will travel to Las Vegas with an opportunity to finish the series.
A’ja Wilson and Aces face difficult reality
Las Vegas received another strong performance from A’ja Wilson. The superstar scored 24 points and helped fuel the comeback after Golden State appeared to have the game under control.
But the Aces couldn’t complete the rally.
Now the defending Western Conference powerhouse faces an uncomfortable reality. One more defeat ends its season. Las Vegas entered the series with championship expectations and one of the league’s most recognizable rosters. Golden State has turned that experience advantage into a surprisingly small factor.
The Valkyries have defended aggressively, received timely contributions from multiple players and remained composed in the biggest moments.
Game 3 is scheduled for Friday in Las Vegas. The Aces will have home-court advantage and an opportunity to extend the series. Golden State, however, has something even more valuable.
A chance to make franchise history. And after Burton’s remarkable late shot Wednesday, the Valkyries have every reason to believe that moment is approaching.
