Sports
Valkyries sweep the defending champion Aces and reach the WNBA Finals in their second season
Golden State beat Las Vegas 87-77 in overtime to finish a semifinal sweep and became the first expansion team to reach the WNBA Finals within two seasons.
The Golden State Valkyries are going to the WNBA Finals in just their second season. They beat the defending champion Las Vegas Aces 87-77 in overtime on Friday to complete a 3-0 sweep in the semifinals.
History for an expansion team
No expansion team had ever reached the Finals so quickly. The Valkyries topped the Atlanta Dream, who got there in their third season. Golden State also made history last year as the first expansion team to make the playoffs in its first season.
The new pieces
This year the Valkyries added forward Gabby Williams and center Kiah Stokes. Both have been key in the playoffs. Williams led the team in scoring for the second straight series and is averaging 22.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, four assists and 1.7 steals this postseason.
Golden State went into the playoffs as the No. 2 seed with the best defense in the league. Even so, it was the underdog against A'ja Wilson and the Aces.
Ahead of schedule
Owner Joe Lacob said when he bought the team that he expected a title within five years. The Valkyries opened as slight favorites to win it all. Game 1 of the Finals is Saturday, Oct. 17, at Chase Center.
More like this
WNBA Finals preview: Valkyries and Dream guarantee a first-time champion
Dream sweep Liberty 85-83 to reach their first WNBA Finals since 2013
Natalie Nakase leads the Valkyries to the WNBA Finals in only their second season
Angel Reese leads the Atlanta Dream back to the WNBA Finals for the first time since 2013