Gabby Williams led the Golden State Valkyries to a 71-60 victory over the Las Vegas Aces in Game 1 of the WNBA semifinals. Williams recorded 25 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists, while Kiah Stokes contributed with 14 rebounds and three blocked shots. A’ja Wilson scored 24 points and Chelsea Gray added 16 points for the Aces, who were held to their lowest point total of the season after losing guard Jewell Loyd to injury.
Williams, cheered on by a vibrant home crowd at Chase Center, made a significant impact in the first half, scoring 18 points on 6-for-10 shooting, including a crucial three-pointer. The Valkyries’ strong performance was fueled by their energetic fans, leading to a triumphant victory in Game 1.
The Valkyries’ coach, Natalie Nakase, returned to the sidelines after a brief health scare in the previous game. Despite a low-scoring and defensive battle, Golden State managed to secure the win, with contributions from key players like Kaitlyn Chen and newcomer Aminata Gueye.
The Aces struggled with rebounding and turnovers, allowing the Valkyries to dominate the boards and capitalize on their mistakes. The intense matchup sets the stage for an exciting Game 2 at Chase Center on Wednesday.
In a separate game, the Atlanta Dream defeated the New York Liberty 92-82 in Game 1 of their semifinals series. Jordin Canada led the Dream with 25 points and five steals, while DeWanna Bonner stepped up in the absence of injured teammate Allisha Gray. Atlanta’s strong defensive performance and aggressive play in the second half secured the victory and extended their winning streak in the postseason.
Despite a late surge from the Liberty, the Dream’s resilience and strategic plays sealed the win, marking their first victory in the semifinals since 2018. The series continues with Game 2 in Atlanta on Wednesday, as both teams look to gain the upper hand in the best-of-five matchup.
