The Golden State Valkyries (32-12) defeated the Las Vegas Aces (31-13) 71-60 on October 4, 2026, in Game 1 of their WNBA semifinal matchup. Gabby Williams led the way with 25 points and 5 assists as the second-year expansion team seized control early.
The Golden State Valkyries secured a critical 1-0 advantage in their Western Conference Division semifinal series against the Las Vegas Aces with a 71-60 victory at home on October 4, 2026. The win moves the Valkyries to second place in the division standings while pushing the defending champion Aces into an immediate hole. Gabby Williams delivered a masterclass performance for Golden State, recording a double-double with 25 points and 5 assists, while Kiah Stokes dominated the paint with a game-high 14 rebounds. For Las Vegas, A’ja Wilson led all scorers with 24 points but lacked sufficient support from a depleted roster that saw three key contributors listed as out.
Golden State Valkyries Performance
The second-year expansion team took control of the contest early, utilizing a balanced attack and superior rebounding to dismantle the Aces’ defense. Gabby Williams was the undeniable catalyst for Golden State, showcasing two-way impact that even prompted owner Joe Lacob to hail her as the “best player in the world” following the lockdown defensive effort alongside her scoring output. Her ability to create for herself and others allowed the Valkyries to maintain offensive rhythm throughout the game.
On the interior, Kiah Stokes provided essential stability, pulling down 14 rebounds to control the glass. This dominance on the boards limited Las Vegas’s second-chance opportunities and helped Golden State manage the pace effectively. The Valkyries also benefited from the depth of their bench, anchored by Janelle Salaün, who had been unanimously voted the WNBA’s Sixth Player of the Year after leading all reserves with 12.7 points per game during the regular season. Head coach Natalie Nakase, who is adjusting her routine after a health scare and collapse on the sideline during the first round, managed the game well, keeping her team focused despite her personal challenges.
Las Vegas Aces Performance
The Las Vegas Aces (31-13), sitting third in the Western Conference Division, struggled to find cohesion against a hungry Valkyries squad. A’ja Wilson carried the offensive load for Las Vegas, posting 24 points in a solitary effort that could not overcome the deficit created by the team’s significant injuries. Jackie Young contributed 5 assists, attempting to facilitate the offense, while Brianna Turner grabbed 7 rebounds, but the overall production fell short of what was needed to challenge Golden State.
The primary factor in the Aces’ inability to keep pace was their severe depletion of key personnel. Iliana Rupert, Dana Evans, and NaLyssa Smith were all listed as Out for this contest, stripping Las Vegas of crucial depth and interior presence. Without these contributors, the Aces faced an uphill battle against a Valkyries team that had shaken up championship odds with this opening victory. The lack of rotation options forced the starters to carry heavier minutes without adequate rest, contributing to the 11-point margin of defeat.
Turning Point
The decisive moment of the game was established in the early stages when Golden State established a lead that Las Vegas could not erase. The Valkyries’ ability to control the tempo through Williams’ playmaking and Stokes’ rebounding set the tone for the remainder of the contest. As the game progressed, the gap widened due to the disparity in roster health; the Aces simply did not have the bodies to match the intensity and volume of work demanded by the Valkyries’ system. By halftime, the momentum had firmly shifted toward San Francisco, leaving Las Vegas with little time to recover.
Key Takeaways
- Golden State’s Gabby Williams recorded 25 points and 5 assists, proving instrumental in the Valkyries’ series-opening win.
- Las Vegas Aces suffered from significant absences, with Iliana Rupert, Dana Evans, and NaLyssa Smith all ruled out.
- Kiah Stokes controlled the paint for Golden State with 14 rebounds, neutralizing Las Vegas’s interior threats.
- A’ja Wilson led the Aces with 24 points, but insufficient supporting stats prevented a comeback.
What It Means Next
The outcome of this opening game has already impacted the broader landscape of the 2026 WNBA playoffs, shaking up championship odds with the Atlanta Dream emerging as favorites, followed closely by the Valkyries. For the Aces, the loss means they must now adjust their strategy to overcome their injury list and stop Williams if they hope to even the series. The action shifts back to San Francisco for Game 2, scheduled for October 8, 2026, at 01:30 UTC. The Valkyries will look to close out the series, while the defending champions face a must-win scenario to avoid elimination.
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