Valkyries Edge Aces in WNBA Semifinals Opener
The Golden State Valkyries took Game 1 of the WNBA semifinals against the Las Vegas Aces, with Gabby Williams leading the way.
The Valkyries defeated the Aces 85-78 in the first game of their best-of-five semifinal series. Gabby Williams was instrumental in the win, scoring 23 points. The Aces' Jewell Loyd exited the game with an injury to her left leg. The Valkyries' victory snaps a three-game losing streak against the Aces in the playoffs. Williams has now lost to the Aces four times in the playoffs and twice in the Olympics.
The Valkyries' coach has faced the Aces in the playoffs four times, with all four losses. This win marks a turning point for the team. The Aces, on the other hand, will need to regroup after the injury to Loyd.
Advertise with usYour brand hereIn-feed (between news) · Native cardBook this space →The semifinals series is now tied at 1-1, with the next game set to take place on Sunday. The winner of this series will move on to the WNBA Finals.
The Valkyries' Williams has had success against the Aces in the past, including a 2024 Olympics loss to A'ja Wilson and Jackie Young. Her team was defeated by theirs in the World Cup championship game recently.
Why it matters
The WNBA semifinals are a crucial part of the season, with the winner moving on to the WNBA Finals. The injury to Loyd adds an extra layer of importance to the series.
What's next
The next game in the series is set to take place on Sunday.
How the story unfolded
Read the original reporting
Yahoo Sports – Aces' Jewell Loyd exits WNBA playoff game vs. Valkyries with injury ↗
CBS Sports – 2026 WNBA playoff predictions: Expert picks for Liberty vs. Dream, Aces vs. Valkyries in semifinals ↗
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