The Golden State Valkyries defeated the Las Vegas Aces 83-81 on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, behind Tiffany Hayes’ team-high 21 points in Game 2 of the WNBA semifinals. Golden State held off a fourth-quarter comeback at Chase Center to take a 2-0 series lead, while A’ja Wilson led all scorers with 24 points.

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

First Quarter: Valkyries Establish an Early Advantage

Golden State outscored Las Vegas 19-11 in the opening quarter, building an eight-point cushion. That early separation proved important in a game ultimately decided by two points.

Second Quarter: Golden State Extends the Lead

The Valkyries followed with a 23-20 second quarter to reach halftime ahead 42-31. Las Vegas improved its scoring output, but Golden State still added three points to its advantage.

Third Quarter: Teams Match Each Other

Both teams scored 24 points in the third quarter, leaving Golden State ahead 66-55 entering the fourth. The Aces found more offensive production after halftime but could not reduce the deficit during the period.

Fourth Quarter: Aces Close the Gap

Las Vegas outscored Golden State 26-17 in the final quarter, trimming an 11-point deficit to two. The Valkyries retained enough of their earlier advantage to finish with an 83-81 victory in regulation.

Key Performers

  • Tiffany Hayes, Golden State: Led the winning team with 21 points, providing the Valkyries’ highest individual scoring total.
  • A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas: Led all scorers with 24 points and added seven rebounds, producing the strongest scoring-and-rebounding combination among the listed leaders.
  • Kiah Stokes, Golden State: Collected a team-high seven rebounds as the Valkyries finished with a 30-25 advantage on the boards.
  • Gabby Williams, Golden State: Led the Valkyries with three assists.
  • Jackie Young, Las Vegas: Recorded a game-high eight assists, accounting for eight of the Aces’ 19 assists.
  • Kalani Brown, Las Vegas: Led both teams with eight rebounds.

NerdSports Stat: Both teams scored exactly 58 points from field goals. Golden State’s 25-23 edge in made free throws accounted for the entire two-point final margin.

Game Analysis

Free-Throw Accuracy Makes the Difference

Golden State made 25 of 27 free throws, converting at 92.6%. Las Vegas was also efficient at the line, finishing 23 of 26 for 88.5%, but the Valkyries’ two additional makes matched the difference on the scoreboard. In such a close result, Golden State’s ability to convert those opportunities was decisive.

More Three-Pointers Offset Lower Shooting Percentages

The Aces shot better from the field, making 25 of 57 attempts for 43.9%, compared with Golden State’s 24 of 58 for 41.4%. Las Vegas also posted the higher three-point percentage: 42.1% against 34.5%.

Golden State nevertheless made more three-pointers, finishing 10 of 29 from beyond the arc while Las Vegas went 8 of 19. Those two extra threes helped the Valkyries match the Aces’ field-goal scoring despite making one fewer basket overall.

Early Separation Holds Up

Golden State’s 11-point halftime lead supplied the cushion it needed. Las Vegas outscored the Valkyries 50-41 after halftime, including a nine-point advantage in the fourth quarter, but its comeback fell short. The Aces’ 19-12 assist advantage and stronger shooting percentages were not enough to offset Golden State’s early lead and free-throw production.

Closing Context: Golden State Leads the Series 2-0

Before an announced crowd of 18,064 at Chase Center, the Valkyries moved one victory away from winning the best-of-five WNBA semifinal series. The teams meet again Friday, October 9, at 6:30 p.m. PDT. Golden State will have a chance to advance, while Las Vegas must win to extend the series.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who won the Golden State Valkyries vs Las Vegas Aces game on October 7, 2026?

The Golden State Valkyries defeated the Las Vegas Aces 83-81 on October 7, 2026.

How many points did A’ja Wilson score?

A’ja Wilson scored 24 points. Her individual shooting percentage was not included in the supplied game statistics.

What are Golden State Valkyries’ standings after this game?

After the win, the Golden State Valkyries lead the WNBA semifinal series 2-0. The supplied overall record is 32-12; this playoff victory changes the series standing rather than the regular-season record.

Who was the best player in the game?

A’ja Wilson was the standout statistical performer with a game-high 24 points and seven rebounds. Tiffany Hayes led the winning Valkyries with 21 points.