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The Valkyries make a Golden Statement with history-making WNBA Finals berth

A Golden Statement. The Golden State Valkyries, in just their second season as WNBA team, are headed to the WNBA Finals. And on top of that already audacious achievement, they swept the defending-champion Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA semifinals…

By Cat Ariail · Swish Appeal

Published: Saturday, 10 October 2026 at 9:45 AM

Key Things to Know

The Golden State Valkyries clinched their first WNBA Finals berth in franchise history by sweeping the Las Vegas Aces.
Golden State defeated the Aces 87-77 in overtime after erasing a double-digit second-half deficit.
Kayla Thornton led the team with 18 points, while Gabby Williams added 16 points.

The Story in 60 Seconds

In just their second season as a franchise, the Golden State Valkyries earned a historic berth in the WNBA Finals by sweeping the defending-champion Las Vegas Aces. Head coach Natalie Nakase led Golden State back from a second-half double-digit deficit to secure an 87-77 overtime victory on the road.

Kayla Thornton led the Valkyries with 18 points, while Gabby Williams scored 16 points, including eight in the overtime period. The No. 2-seed Valkyries will now carry homecourt advantage into the 2026 WNBA Finals against the No. 4-seed Atlanta Dream, hosting Game 1 on Saturday, Oct. 17.

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The Valkyries make a Golden Statement with history-making WNBA Finals berth

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