Golden State Valkyries guard Tiffany Hayes (15) shoots over the Las Vegas Aces forward Nalyssa Smith (3) and Aces forward-center Brianna Turner (right) at Michelob ULTRA Arena on Sun Jun 21, 2026 (AP News photo)

By Rich Perez

There was not much the Las Vegas Aces (12-4) could not do in their third meeting with the Golden State Valkyries (10-7) winning the game 92-73. The best three-shooting team in the league were held to only five as the Aces held them to 5 of 30. The Aces starters were on fire winning the game with a truly collective effort. This had to be one of the best games played this season by Las Vegas offensively and defensively.

After the first ten minutes of play the Aces had a 32-17 lead. Las Vegas would extend their lead going into the half leading 49-30. This game went completely sideways in the third quarter and when the dust had settled the Aces had 77-49 lead going into the final quarter.

They were on fire and there was little chance of a Vegas meltdown. The Valkyries were unable to contain the onslaught. This game was pretty much a done deal when the fourth quarter got underway.

Game recap: This was a complete team effort. Jackie Young was the first player to exceed 20 points mid-way through the fourth quarter. She was nine of 12 with five minutes left in the game.

A’Ja Wilson was on the brink of a double double with 19 points and nine rebounds. Chelsea Gray had 15 points, Nalyssa Smith with 14. Jewell Lloyd had 11 points off the bench. There was not much the Aces couldn’t do in this one. They have won eight of their last ten games. At one time in this game the Aces had a 28 point lead and they were 46% from beyond the arc.

Las Vegas stuffed the Valkyries offense big time. Valkyrie Kayla Thornton, Kiah Stokes and Veronica Burton had two points apiece. The two top starters for Golden State were Gabby Williams and Cecilia Zandalasini with a combined 22 points. The top three-point shooting team, their calling card if you will, went silent for the entire game going 5 of 30. Every mistake the Valkyries made, the Aces capitalized on, they made them pay big time, every time.

Game notes: The Aces are just coming off a win over the Phoenix Mercury on Wed Jun 17th to clinch a spot in the Commissioners Cup Championship that will be played in New York on June 30th. Sunday the Aces beat the Valkyries and it was their third meeting this season.

On May 31 Las Vegas won their first game with the Valkyries 91-81. In the second game it was a much closer game with the Aces coming out on top 84-79. Sunday the Aces picked up their third win against the Valkyie in Michelob ULTRA Arena.

Tuesday night the Aces will be back in action taking on the New York Liberty in Las Vegas. Tipoff for this game is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

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