Valkyries Sweep the Defending Champs 85-77 | Semifinal Game 3 vs. Las Vegas Aces | October 9, 2026

The Golden State Valkyries are going to the WNBA Finals in just their second season. Golden State swept the defending champion Las Vegas Aces with an 85 77 overtime win in Game 3 of the semifinals, erasing an 11 point second half deficit to win the best of five series 3 0.

Las Vegas led 45 36 at the half, and Golden State had not led at any point until the third quarter. Then Tiffany Hayes took over off the bench, connecting with Kiah Stokes in the paint, driving for a layup through A’ja Wilson, and hitting a three that sparked a 17 0 run. Kaitlyn Chen put the Valkyries back ahead, Kayla Thornton hit a pair of free throws, and Stokes knocked down a three to complete the stretch.

The Aces had a chance to win in regulation, but Chelsea Gray missed a fadeaway to send the game to overtime. Before the extra period, Veronica Burton told her teammates this was their time. Hayes made the first shot of overtime and answered a Gray layup with a bank shot off the glass. Thornton drew a key offensive foul late and let out a scream toward the bench as the finish became clear.

Thornton led Golden State with 18 points, Gabby Williams added 16, and Stokes finished with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Hayes added 11 off the bench. Head Coach Natalie Nakase praised all 14 players for another level of fight, saying overtime proved the power of strength in numbers. The Valkyries will face the Atlanta Dream in Game 1 of the best of seven Finals on October 17 at Chase Center.

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Golden State Valkyries | WNBA | Game Recap | Kayla Thornton, Tiffany Hayes, Kiah Stokes | Las Vegas Aces | 2026