Golden State Valkyries 87 - Las Vegas Aces 77 (10/9/2026): Kayla Thornton's 18 Points Shine

The Golden State Valkyries showcased their dominance on Friday night, defeating the Las Vegas Aces 87-77 at the Michelob ULTRA Arena. This postseason clash had fans on the edge of their seats as both teams fought hard to gain the upper hand. The victory improved the Valkyries' postseason record to 5-1, while the Aces slipped to 2-4.

First Half Tactics

The game began with the Aces taking a slight lead in the first quarter, finishing 19-16. Their momentum carried over into the second quarter, where they extended their advantage, entering halftime ahead 45-36. Jackie Young led the charge for the Aces with an impressive 18 points, making her presence felt on both ends of the court.

Despite trailing, the Valkyries showed flashes of brilliance, with Kayla Thornton playing a pivotal role. Her 18 points and 9 rebounds were instrumental in keeping Golden State within striking distance. The Valkyries leaned heavily on their bench and strategic plays to maintain pressure.

Turning the Tide

The third quarter marked a significant shift in the game, as the Valkyries outscored the Aces 17-7. Golden State's defense was relentless, forcing the Aces into several turnovers and poor shooting choices. Kiah Stokes was a force in the paint, contributing 11 points and securing 10 rebounds for the Valkyries.

Las Vegas struggled to regain their footing as the Valkyries took control of the game. Golden State's discipline at the free-throw line was remarkable, converting 20 of their 22 attempts, which played a crucial role in their comeback.

Sealing the Victory

Heading into the final quarter with a narrow lead, the Valkyries maintained their composure. They managed to fend off any potential comeback attempts by the Aces, finishing the game strong with an 18-19 fourth-quarter performance. The Valkyries' overall shooting percentage of 40.5% from the field and a dominant rebounding effort of 43 boards highlighted their effective play.

The Aces' shooting woes continued, as they only managed a 38.2% field goal percentage. Their struggles were compounded by 15 turnovers, which proved costly. Despite strong performances from key players, Las Vegas was unable to match the Valkyries' intensity and execution in the second half.

Looking ahead, both teams will meet again on Sunday, October 11, for another high-stakes showdown at the Michelob ULTRA Arena. The Valkyries will aim to replicate their recent success and solidify their postseason dominance. Meanwhile, the Aces will seek redemption and adjust their strategies to bounce back in front of their home crowd.

This game added another chapter to the storied rivalry between these two Western Conference teams. With both teams hungry for victory, fans can expect another captivating encounter in their next meeting.