Valkyries Sweep Aces and Advance to First WNBA Finals

Golden State earned a place in the WNBA Finals by defeating Las Vegas 87 to 77 in overtime on October 9. The contest occurred at Michelob ULTRA Arena and resulted in a three game sweep for the Valkyries [1]. This achievement marks the first Finals appearance for the franchise in its second season of play [2]. The victory required a significant comeback after the team struggled in the early stages of the game. Breaking Down the Overtime Clincher in Las Vegas The Valkyries did not hold a lead during the entire first half of the game. Las Vegas went into the halftime break with a nine point advantage [1]. Momentum shifted during the third quarter when Golden State produced a 17 to 0 scoring run to get back into the game [1]. Regulation ended in a tie, leading to a decisive five minute overtime period. Golden State dominated the extra session by outscoring the Aces 16 to 6 [1]. The team remained perfect from the free throw line during overtime, making all eight of its attempts [1]. Kayla Thornton finished as the leading scorer for the Valkyries with 18 points [1] [3]. Gabby Williams contributed 16 points, including eight points scored during the overtime period [3]. Tiffany Hayes and Kiah Stokes both added 11 points to the total [1]. Stokes recorded a double double with 10 rebounds and maintained a perfect shooting night by going 5 for 5 from the field [1] [3]. For Las Vegas, A'ja Wilson scored 21 points but struggled with efficiency, finishing 6 for 19 from the floor [3]. Wilson also grabbed 10 rebounds. Jackie Young scored 18 points and Chelsea Gray added 17 points in the loss [3]. The result ended the season for the Aces and completed the Finals matchup. Atlanta had already swept New York earlier in the night. [3] Analyzing the Matchup with Atlanta Golden State now prepares to face the Atlanta Dream in a best of seven series to decide the WNBA championship [2] [3]. Atlanta secured its spot in the Finals by completing a sweep of New York [1]. Because Golden State earned the No. 2 seed during the regular season, the team holds home court advantage over the No. 4 seed Dream [3]. The October 9 clincher and October 17 opener leave a gap between the completed semifinal and the new series. Golden State will not need a fourth semifinal game to resolve its place in the Finals. While the three game result is impressive, it does not establish a specific expectation for the Finals outcome. The close Game 3 clincher is a more precise reference than the sweep label alone. Golden State needed a fourth quarter recovery and overtime to finish the series. Atlanta also swept its semifinal, so an unbeaten semifinal record does not distinguish these finalists by itself. The opponents, series length and locations are changing together. Those details belong in the new matchup review rather than an assumption that the last result carries forward. WNBA Finals Schedule and Venue Details The Valkyries published the Finals schedule in their official announcement [2]. Game 1 is scheduled for Saturday, October 17, at Chase Center in San Francisco. Tipoff is set for 12:30 p.m. PT [2]. Game 2 will also take place at Chase Center on Monday, October 19, at 5:00 p.m. PT [2]. The series then moves to Atlanta for Game 3 on October 22 and Game 4 on October 24. If the series requires additional games, the teams will return to San Francisco for Game 5 on October 26. Game 6, if needed, is scheduled for October 29 in Atlanta, and a potential Game 7 would take place at Chase Center on October 31 [2]. The official schedule notes that the specific venues in Atlanta for these games are currently listed as to be determined [2]. SBA Takeaway The Valkyries demonstrated resilience by overcoming a halftime deficit and executing under pressure in overtime. A 17 to 0 run in the third quarter highlights the offensive potential of the roster when the defense creates transition opportunities. While the sweep is a milestone for the young franchise, the focus now shifts to a best of seven format against Atlanta. Home court advantage at Chase Center will be a factor in the opening two games. If you are tracking the progress of this series, the week long gap before Game 1 offers a window to review player health and historical matchups between these two seeds. Sources - [1] Valkyries Gameday Recap October 9 2026 - [2] Golden State Valkyries Advance to 2026 WNBA Finals - [3] Valkyries Secure WNBA Finals Spot With OT Win Over the Aces Related Reading - Shesterkin Scores in Rangers Opener. One Game Is Not a New Baseline. - Neymar Scores Twice as Santos Draw Flamengo - DraftKings Field Test: Set Your Limits First