The Las Vegas Aces’ season concluded after a three-game sweep by the Golden State Valkyries in the WNBA semifinals. The Aces lost Game 3 in overtime at Michelob Ultra Arena, 87-77, marking the first time since the 2020 WNBA Finals that they have been swept in the playoffs.
A’ja Wilson led the Aces with 21 points and 10 rebounds in Game 3, though she shot 6 of 19 from the floor. Chelsea Gray added 17 points but struggled in the second half, making just 1 of 6 shots after halftime. The Valkyries took control late, going on an 8-0 run to lead 71-69 with less than a minute remaining.
Jackie Young scored 10 points in the fourth quarter and tied the game with a layup with 26.2 seconds left. Gray’s potential game-winning jumper rimmed out at the buzzer. The Aces had briefly led 47-36 early in the third quarter after two Wilson free throws, but Golden State answered with a 17-0 run, highlighted by a corner three from Kiah Stokes.
The Valkyries will now face the Atlanta Dream in the WNBA Finals, which begins Oct. 17. Atlanta also swept their series, defeating the New York Liberty in three games. Tiffany Hayes scored 21 points off the bench for Golden State in Game 2 against her former team.
Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal
Original reporting: Las Vegas Review-Journal →
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