Valkyries Take Semifinal Opener as Rebounding Gap Sinks Aces
The Golden State Valkyries opened their WNBA semifinal against the Las Vegas Aces with a 71–60 victory Sunday, October 4th, at Chase Center. Gabby Williams led the offense with 25 points, but a 52–25 rebounding advantage supplied the clearest explanation for the result.
Golden State’s official recap credits Williams with 11 rebounds and five assists alongside her scoring. Kiah Stokes collected 14 rebounds, and the Valkyries’ bench outscored Las Vegas’ reserves 27–7. Kaitlyn Chen contributed 11 points as Golden State took a 1–0 lead in the best-of-five series.
Extra possessions made the difference
Las Vegas’ game report puts a number on the damage: Golden State turned 17 offensive rebounds into 20 second-chance points. The Aces managed only two offensive boards, leaving little opportunity to repair missed shots with another possession.
A’ja Wilson finished with 24 points for Las Vegas, Chelsea Gray scored 16 and Jackie Young added 11. Their production kept the Aces within reach for stretches, but it did not overcome the imbalance on the glass.
The WNBA box score shows Las Vegas shooting 21-for-62, or 33.9 percent, from the field. Golden State was not dramatically more accurate at 37.7 percent, yet attempted 69 shots. The difference was not simply a hot-shooting team beating a cold one; the Valkyries repeatedly gave themselves another chance.
A third-quarter separation
The Aces were down only 34–31 at halftime. Golden State then won the third quarter 22–17 and the fourth 15–12, turning that narrow break-time margin into an 11-point finish. Las Vegas never produced the sustained offensive response needed to reclaim control.
For the Aces, the next adjustment begins with ending defensive possessions. For Golden State, the challenge is to reproduce that collective rebounding effort rather than depend entirely on another big scoring night from Williams.
The series stays at Chase Center for Game 2 on Wednesday, October 7th. Golden State lists tipoff at 6:30 p.m. PT, or 9:30 p.m. ET, with coverage on Peacock and NBC Sports Network. One win establishes an advantage; two more are still required to take the series.
Photo source: Golden State Valkyries/WNBA. PowerPage cover treatment.
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