SAN FRANCISCO — Valkyries Triumph in Game 1

Gabby Williams delivered a standout performance with 25 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists, while Kiah Stokes contributed significantly with 14 rebounds and three blocked shots. The Valkyries clinched Game 1 of the WNBA semifinals, defeating the reigning champion Aces 71-60 on Sunday.

A’ja Wilson led the Aces with 24 points, and Chelsea Gray added 16 points. However, Las Vegas faced a setback when guard Jewell Loyd suffered a left leg injury early in the third quarter, marking this game as their lowest scoring outing of the season.

Evaluations for Loyd’s injury were still underway, and coach Becky Hammon had no immediate updates following the game.

Amid cheers of “Gabby! Gabby!” from a packed crowd at Chase Center, Williams shone with 18 points in the first half, shooting 6-for-10. A key moment was her three-pointer that put Golden State up 32-23 with just under six minutes left before halftime.

The atmosphere in the arena was electric, with fans decked out in violet T-shirts, and they erupted into celebration when the final buzzer sounded, showering the court in confetti.

Looking ahead, Game 2 of the best-of-five series is set for Wednesday night at Chase Center.

“Our objective is to secure our home games,” Stokes noted. “We played well in the first game, but the Aces know how to win. I’m sure they’re not pleased with their performance, and they’ll come ready to fight in our arena.”

Coach Natalie Nakase, who had a close call during the previous game against Dallas, was able to lead her team after being examined by a doctor the following day.

In a pivotal moment, Jackie Young’s three-pointer tightened the score to 58-53 for Las Vegas with about eight-and-a-half minutes to play. Wilson, the league’s top scorer and reigning MVP, scored 15 points in the first half on 6 of 11 shooting.

The game was marked by strong defensive play and low scores from both sides, with the Valkyries shooting 37.7% while the Aces managed just 33.9%. Each team had faced tough competition in the first round to get to this point.

Point guard Veronica Burton struggled offensively for Golden State, missing some crucial shots in the third quarter before taking a seat. Nakase then tapped Kaitlyn Chen, who stepped up with 11 points in the remainder of the match.

Burton’s issue wasn’t health-related, as confirmed by Nakase, who emphasized her talent and readiness, saying they opted for fresh legs in Chen.

Even with Golden State shooting only 31.4% in the first half, they managed to adjust their lineups effectively. New addition Aminata Gueye scored nine points in just over 12 minutes, having joined the team after competing internationally.

Janelle Salaun received a warm welcome when she entered the game, having been named the WNBA Sixth Player of the Year just before tip-off.

Kayla Thornton chipped in with 11 rebounds and eight points, and the Valkyries achieved a notable advantage on the boards, out-rebounding Las Vegas 52-25.

Williams highlighted the team’s connection and communication, pointing out that KT and Kiah played pivotal roles in securing those rebounds and creating extra opportunities for their team.

Hammon deemed it one of the worst performances of the season for the Aces, emphasizing that rebounding was a crucial factor in their defeat.

Golden State struggled from beyond the arc, going 3-for-10 in the first quarter and finishing 7 of 24, while also compensating for 14 turnovers that led to 11 points for Las Vegas.

Notably, Aces forward Stephanie Talbot sat out due to her own left leg injury.