History has a new address in San Francisco, and it’s called Ballhalla. The Golden State Valkyries are going to the WNBA Finals!
On Friday night, the Valkyries completed a stunning 3-0 sweep of the defending champion Las Vegas Aces with an 87-77 overtime victory on the road, becoming the quickest expansion team in league history to reach the championship round — in just their second season of existence.
The semifinal series had everything. Golden State took Game 1 at Chase Center 71-60, then thrilled the home crowd in Game 2 with an 83-81 nail-biter, sealed by Veronica Burton’s clutch three-pointer with 41 seconds left. In the clincher, Kayla Thornton led the way with 18 points, Gabby Williams added 16, and the Valkyries outscored the Aces 16-6 in overtime to finish the job.
Head coach Natalie Nakase’s squad now holds home-court advantage in the Finals against the Atlanta Dream, with the championship series tipping off at Chase Center on October 17. Two more wins at home, and San Francisco celebrates a title in year two.
From expansion newcomers to Finals favorites: what a season for the Bay Area.
Photo: Sarah Stierch via Wikimedia Commons
