Tiffany Hayes came off the bench to score 21 points in 17 minutes for the Golden State Valkyries in their 83-81 Game 2 win over the Las Vegas Aces at Chase Center. Hayes, the 2024 WNBA Sixth Player of the Year during her only season with the Aces, outscored the Aces’ entire bench by herself (21-14) and helped Golden State take a 2-0 series lead.
Hayes went 6 of 10 from the floor and was perfect at the free-throw line, making all 8 of her attempts. She scored just three points in 11 minutes in Game 1 but erupted in Game 2, saying, “I’m going to hold some stuff, but I’m going to say it felt amazing. To be able to go out there and get a win with the team I’m with now … it just felt really good to know how much work we’ve put in all season.”
Aces coach Becky Hammon said, “Tip Hayes being Tip Hayes. I knew she wasn’t going to come out and play like she did the other night.” Golden State’s Natalie Nakase, who coached Hayes as an assistant with the Aces, added, “It’s cool to see her grow into this role. She’s thriving again because of the love and care we have in our culture.” Hayes had retired in 2023 before signing with the Aces in 2024, saying that year “gave me my love back to the game a little bit.”
The Valkyries received 34 points off the bench in Game 2, with Hayes providing the bulk of that output. Golden State now needs one more win to advance to the WNBA Finals, while the Aces face elimination and will play Game 3 at Michelob Ultra Arena.
Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal
Original reporting: Las Vegas Review-Journal →
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