Valkyries Take 2-0 Semifinal Lead Over Aces

The Golden State Valkyries beat the Las Vegas Aces 83-81 in Game 2 of their best-of-five WNBA semifinal series, taking a 2-0 lead and moving within one win of the Finals. Veronica Burton hit the go-ahead 3-pointer with 41 seconds left, and Kiah Stokes blocked Chelsea Gray’s final shot attempt as Golden State held on Wednesday night. Tiffany Hayes led the Valkyries with 21 points. A’ja Wilson scored 24 points and grabbed seven rebounds for Las Vegas, which mounted a late comeback after trailing by 11 entering the fourth quarter. The Aces drew even at 74 on Gray’s 3-pointer with just over two minutes remaining, then briefly took the lead on a Wilson basket. Gabby Williams tied the game with a jumper before Burton’s shot put Golden State ahead. Burton also made two free throws in the closing seconds, according to the game account. Las Vegas had one final opportunity after Jackie Young missed the second of two free throws with six seconds left. Gray collected the rebound and attempted a layup, but Stokes blocked the shot and Burton secured the ball. The 83-81 result gave the Valkyries a second straight win in the series.