Not in our house: Valkyries take 2-0 lead in WNBA semis as series heads to Vegas

The Golden State Valkyries beat the Las Vegas Aces tonight, 83-81, in Game 2 of the WNBA semifinals and, for most of the game, it wasn’t even close.

Golden State took the lead in the first few minutes and entered the final quarter up by 11.

That’s when Vegas surged to take the lead with just over a minute to go. Nail-biter.

It was a Gabby Williams jump-shot and a Veronica Burton three that put the Valkyries back on top. The game came down to the final seconds, which dragged on with free throws on both sides of the court. In the end, the Valkyries had time on their side, Kiah Stokes blocked a final shot, and her team grabbed a final rebound for the win.

Golden State is known for a style of play called “Three and D,” which basically means they often rely on outside shooting and defense to win games. So when the first shot of the game was a three by Kayla Thornton that swooshed through the net, it was a good omen for the home team. When the Valkyries are making threes, they tend to win.

Through the game, though, the Valkyries only shot a little over 34 percent from deep. That Burton swoosh at the end could not have come at a better time for the home team.

There was something about that Wednesday night crowd — even when it wasn’t yet a close game — is it possible Ballhalla was louder than usual? It was, in no uncertain terms, lit. 

Fan favorite Williams was scoring. She ended the game with 20. 

Tiffany Hayes, too, delivered double-digit points off the bench, served up with a side of veteran confidence. Her ability to drive to the basket and score, no matter how many hands come down on her, has been an asset game after game.

It didn’t hurt that Hayes, who took more foul shots than anyone else on the team, was 8-for-8 from the foul line tonight.  

The series heads to Vegas for Game 3. The Valkyries are one win away from securing a spot in the WNBA Finals.