Golden State Bends But Doesn't Break: Valkyries Survive Aces Rally

SAN FRANCISCO — Golden State came out throwing punches. Las Vegas took them, found its footing and nearly stole the game. Then the Valkyries delivered the final answers.

Golden State survived 83–81 on Wednesday to take a 2–0 lead in its WNBA semifinal series with the Aces, holding off a furious rally after leading by as many as 17 points.

Golden State attacked first

The Valkyries opened on a 7–0 run and kept pressure on the Aces' defense. Gabby Williams and Tiffany Hayes repeatedly attacked, while timely perimeter shooting kept Golden State in front for much of the night.

Hayes led Golden State with 21 points, Williams scored 20 with five rebounds, and Kayla Thornton supplied 16. It wasn't one player carrying the offense; it was a series of contributions that forced Las Vegas to keep finding answers.

The Aces refused to disappear

A'ja Wilson powered the comeback, finishing with 24 points and seven rebounds. Chelsea Gray made important late shots, including a tying three with 2:10 left, and Dana Evans added a timely three during the push. Jackie Young struggled to get going early, but Las Vegas still battled all the way back.

The key question changed as the game tightened: after controlling so much of the night, could Golden State execute when every possession became dangerous?

Burton's three. Stokes' block.

With 41 seconds left, Veronica Burton delivered a deep three to put the Valkyries back in front. It was her lone made field goal of the game, and it arrived when Golden State needed it most.

The Valkyries also handled the free-throw line, making 25 of 27 attempts for the game. Burton added two late free throws, but Las Vegas still had one last chance. With six seconds remaining, Young missed the second of two foul shots; Gray grabbed the rebound and attacked the basket. Kiah Stokes blocked the final attempt, and Burton secured the ball as time expired.

The story is bigger than one comeback

Golden State's stars and role players made timely shots; its defense made the final play. Las Vegas proved it could fight back from a deep hole, but close games also come down to executing under pressure. Those late threes, free throws and the last defensive stand were the difference.

The series shifts to Las Vegas for Game 3 on Friday. The defending champions must win to keep their season alive, while the Valkyries are one victory from the Finals. Golden State bent. It did not break.