Golden State Valkyries Set the Tone in Game 1, Take Down Aces | 60-71

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — The Golden State Valkyries have spent their inaugural era showing that they belong on the biggest stage. On Sunday night, with the postseason spotlight shining on Chase Center, they delivered another statement, taking down the Las Vegas Aces 71-60 in Game 1 of the WNBA Semifinals.

In front of a sold-out crowd of 18,064, the Valkyries put together the kind of performance that can change the tone of a series. They defended, controlled the glass, made life difficult for one of the league's most dangerous offenses, and never backed away from the challenge in front of them.

Golden State entered the matchup looking for its first win against Las Vegas this season. The Valkyries found it when it mattered most, holding the Aces to just 60 points, their lowest scoring total of the 2026 season and their fewest points in a postseason game since October 3, 2021.

This wasn't just a win built on one hot shooting night. It was a complete team effort, with every possession carrying a purpose and the defense setting the standard from the opening tip.

And with the energy inside Chase Center continuing to build, the Valkyries gave their fans plenty to celebrate.

Gabby Williams Leads the Way

When the Valkyries needed someone to step up offensively, Gabby Williams answered the call.

Williams finished with 25 points and 11 rebounds for her first career postseason double-double, adding five assists in one of her most complete performances of the season. She shot 9-of-18 from the field and knocked down four of her seven attempts from beyond the arc, giving Golden State a scoring presence that the Aces struggled to contain.

Williams came out aggressive from the start, scoring 13 points in the first quarter alone. She continued to find her rhythm throughout the first half, entering the break with 18 points as the Valkyries carried a 34-31 lead into the locker room.

Her impact went beyond the scoring column. Williams helped keep possessions alive, attacked opportunities when they presented themselves, and contributed on the glass while Golden State worked to establish control.

Her performance also placed her in an exclusive group. Williams became just the ninth player in WNBA postseason history to record at least 25 points, 10 rebounds and five assists while shooting 50% or better from the field.

In a game where every basket mattered, Williams gave the Valkyries the offensive spark they needed while the rest of the team handled the defensive work.

Defense Was the Difference

The Valkyries didn't need to outscore the Aces in a shootout. They needed to make every possession uncomfortable, and they did exactly that.

Las Vegas finished with just 60 points on 21-of-62 shooting, including 7-of-21 from three-point range. Even with A'ja Wilson scoring 24 points, Golden State consistently made the Aces work for their opportunities and limited the supporting offense around her.

After holding a narrow 34-31 halftime lead, the Valkyries came out of the break and created separation. They outscored Las Vegas 22-17 in the third quarter, stretching the advantage to eight points entering the fourth. Golden State then held the Aces to just 12 points in the final period to close out the victory.

The defensive effort was especially important against Wilson, a player who can change a game in a matter of minutes.

Kiah Stokes took on the difficult assignment of battling Wilson inside and making every trip to the paint a challenge. She finished with a game-high 14 rebounds, including seven offensive boards, and four blocks.

Stokes didn't score a point, but her presence was felt throughout the game. She challenged shots, protected the rim and helped Golden State control the areas of the floor where the Aces typically look to create an advantage.

After the game, head coach Natalie Nakase made it clear just how much Stokes meant to the team's performance.

“MVP of the game tonight,” Nakase said. “Her disruption, her matching up with A'ja [Wilson] is a really tough task, and I thought she did an amazing job.”

Nakase also praised Stokes' effort on the boards, describing how she emptied the tank and made a difference in the matchup.

It was the type of performance that doesn't always show up in the scoring column but can determine the outcome of a playoff game.

The Battle on the Boards Belonged to Golden State

If there was one area where the Valkyries made their presence known, it was on the glass.

Golden State pulled down a franchise-record 52 rebounds, the most the team has recorded in either the regular season or postseason. That total tied for the third-most rebounds in WNBA postseason history.

The Valkyries grabbed 17 offensive rebounds and 35 defensive rebounds, consistently giving themselves extra opportunities while limiting the Aces to just two offensive boards.

That advantage showed up on the scoreboard. Golden State finished with 20 second-chance points compared with just five for Las Vegas.

Stokes led the way with 14 rebounds, while Kayla Thornton added a postseason career-high 11 rebounds and eight points. Williams also finished with 11 boards, giving Golden State three players with double-digit rebounds.

For Thornton, the effort was another example of how the Valkyries can impact a game without relying on one player to do everything. Her work on the boards helped create extra possessions and made it difficult for Las Vegas to build momentum.

Stokes' performance was particularly historic. She became the first player in a WNBA postseason game since 2012 to record at least 11 rebounds, seven offensive rebounds and four blocks.

That kind of production against a team featuring Wilson is no small accomplishment. It was a statement about Golden State's physicality, preparation and willingness to do the work that doesn't always get the headlines.

The Supporting Cast Stepped Up

Williams and Stokes may have led the way in two key areas, but the Valkyries got important contributions throughout the lineup.

Kaitlyn Chen finished with 11 points, three rebounds and a block, providing another scoring option as Golden State worked to maintain its advantage. Her contribution helped ensure the offense didn't depend entirely on Williams to generate points.

Aminata Gueye also made her presence felt, recording a career postseason-high nine points on an efficient 4-of-5 shooting from the field. She added two steals, two rebounds, an assist and a block, bringing energy on both ends of the floor.

Gueye's production was especially valuable in a playoff game where the Valkyries needed their entire rotation ready to contribute.

The team's ability to find offense from different players, while continuing to defend at a high level, helped Golden State withstand the Aces' attempts to get back into the game.

This was a collective performance. When one player made a defensive stop, another helped secure the rebound. When an offensive opportunity opened up, the Valkyries took advantage. The result was a team that looked connected and confident when it mattered most.

A Crowd That Continues to Show Up

The atmosphere inside Chase Center was another reminder of what the Valkyries have built in Golden State.

Sunday's crowd of 18,064 marked the franchise's 48th consecutive sellout dating back to last season. The support has become a defining part of the team's identity, and the energy inside the building was fitting for the start of a semifinal series.

For Nakase, the motivation comes from within the group she coaches and the responsibility the players feel representing their community.

“I think I'm lucky, I don't have to motivate,” Nakase said. “I think that's who they are, and that goes back to the intentional selections of the players.”

Nakase emphasized that playing for the Valkyries and in front of a crowd of more than 18,000 is a privilege. She also pointed to defense as the team's identity, explaining that the players came together with a clear understanding of what they wanted to accomplish.

That identity was on full display Sunday night.

Golden State didn't win because everything went perfectly. The Valkyries won because they stayed committed to the things that could carry them through a playoff game: defense, rebounding, effort and trust in one another.

And with the crowd behind them, they delivered a performance that gave their fans another reason to believe.

One Win Down, Another Challenge Ahead

The Valkyries have the opening win of the series, but the job is far from finished.

Las Vegas is a championship-caliber opponent with the experience and talent to respond. Wilson still finished with 24 points, and the Aces will have an opportunity to make adjustments before the next meeting.

Golden State, meanwhile, has a chance to build on a performance that showed what happens when its defensive identity translates into results. The Valkyries controlled the glass, protected the paint and held one of the league's most dangerous teams to a season-low scoring total.

Game 1 also marked their first victory over the Aces this season, giving the win added significance as the series moves forward.

The message from Sunday night was clear: the Valkyries aren't simply happy to be in the semifinals. They're here to compete, and they're prepared to make their opponents earn every inch.

With Williams leading the offense, Stokes anchoring the defense and contributions coming from across the roster, Golden State has given itself a strong start to the series.

Now comes the next test.

Up Next

The No. 2-seeded Golden State Valkyries will host the No. 3-seeded Las Vegas Aces for Game 2 of the WNBA Semifinals on Wednesday, October 7, at 6:30 p.m. PT at Chase Center.

The game will air on NBC Sports Network and Peacock, with radio coverage on 95.7 The Game, ESPN 1320 and the Audacy app.

The Valkyries have made their statement in Game 1. Now they'll look to protect home court once again and move one step closer to the WNBA Finals.