Golden State Valkyries Advance to WNBA Finals for First Time

The Golden State Valkyries have made history by advancing to the WNBA Finals for the first time in franchise history. This remarkable achievement comes after a thrilling 87-77 overtime victory over the Las Vegas Aces in Game 3 of the semifinals, completing a sweep of the reigning champions.

Team owner Joe Lacob's bold prediction has taken a giant leap towards becoming a reality. At the team's introductory press conference three years ago, Lacob confidently stated that the Valkyries would win a WNBA championship within their first five years of existence. His words now seem prophetic as they stand just four wins away from claiming their maiden title.

The Valkyries will face off against the Atlanta Dream in the WNBA Finals, with the series set to begin on October 17. This matchup marks a new chapter for the franchise, which is eager to make its mark on the league and bring home the coveted championship.

Lacob's unwavering confidence in his team has been evident throughout their journey. His determination to lead the Valkyries to victory will be put to the test as they embark on this next stage of their season, with the entire league watching closely to see if they can deliver on their owner's promise.

The Valkyries' inaugural season was a resounding success, setting a record for wins by an expansion team with 23 victories and becoming the first expansion franchise to make the playoffs in their debut year.

However, entering the 2026 season, expectations were tempered due to a somewhat confusing offseason that saw them trade away their first-round pick in exchange for two second-round picks, raising questions about their long-term prospects.

The Valkyries' fortunes took a turn for the better with the arrival of free-agent signings Gabby Williams and Kiah Stokes, who significantly bolstered their defense. This move proved instrumental in compensating for ongoing issues on the team's offense.

Despite struggling to find consistent scoring threats, with no player averaging more than 15 points per game, the Valkyries found solace in a stingy defense that allowed opponents to shoot at just 53.5% from the field and turn over the ball at a rate of 19.2%.

Their defensive rating of 99.1 was an impressive feat, exceeding any other team by more than four points per 100 possessions, and solidifying their position as one of the league's top defensive units.

The Valkyries' offense struggled to find its footing, finishing seventh in offensive rating with a mark of 108.2, which was the second-worst among playoff teams, and ranking 13th in true shooting percentage at just 54%.

Their lackluster offense was only partially offset by their strong defense, which made them one of the most formidable teams in the league despite their inconsistent scoring.

The Valkyries' overall performance on both ends of the court earned them a spot among the top playoff contenders, and they will look to build on this momentum as they move forward.

The Valkyries' impressive playoff run has been marked by their ability to adapt and adjust on both ends of the court. Their defensive-minded approach, which contributed significantly to their 32-10 regular season record and No. 2 seed in the playoffs, has proven to be a crucial factor in their success.

In the first round, the Valkyries narrowly escaped elimination when they pulled off a stunning 16-point comeback in a winner-take-all Game 3 against the Dallas Wings. The team's offense struggled mightily, shooting just 35.1% from the field, but they managed to salvage the game and keep their season alive.

Against the Aces in the semifinals, the Valkyries' defense again played a pivotal role in their success. The team was able to contain A'ja Wilson and Jackie Young, who had dominated them in regular-season matchups, holding Wilson to 23 points per game on 41.1% shooting and limiting Young to just 14.3 points on 31.6% from the field.

The Valkyries' defensive effort paid dividends in their series-clinching victory over the Aces, as they held Las Vegas to just two points over the first eight minutes and 25 seconds of the third quarter. The Aces struggled mightily in that frame, going just 2 for 16 from the field.

The Valkyries' ability to shut down key opponents has been a key factor in their playoff run, and they will look to continue this trend as they move forward into the WNBA Finals. Their offense, which was more effective against the Aces than it had been in previous matchups, will also be crucial in determining their success at this stage of the season.

The Golden State Valkyries' offense has been a key factor in their success this season, particularly against the Las Vegas Aces. In their series, the team's leading scorer was Courtney Williams, who averaged 20.3 points per game and made her second All-Star appearance this year.

Their impressive shooting statistics are another indicator of their effectiveness, with a field goal percentage of 39.8% and a true shooting mark of 54%. While they had nearly as many assists as turnovers, the Valkyries' ability to adapt and perform under pressure has been crucial in propelling them to the WNBA Finals.