The Golden State Valkyries secured a 71-60 victory over the defending champion Las Vegas Aces in Game 1 of their best-of-five semifinal series. This win gave the Valkyries a 1-0 lead in the series.

Reigning WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson scored 24 points, but her performance was less dominant in terms of rebounds with only four in total. The Valkyries excelled in rebounding, a factor that played a significant role in their victory.

The Valkyries limited the Aces to a 33.7% shooting efficiency. Gabby Williams shone with 25 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists, contributing significantly to the Valkyries’ success. Afterward, Aces head coach Becky Hammon offered a candid critique, acknowledging her team’s poor performance but remaining hopeful for the series ahead.

“I thought that was one of our more atrocious games of the season. I think we shot ourselves in the foot and got outhustled,” remarked Hammon, particularly noting the Aces’ challenges with rebounding. Additionally, Jewell Loyd from the Aces left the game due to a lower leg injury.

Hammon expressed disappointment over their rebounding efforts, highlighting that it was a major focus in recent discussions. “I could end this whole thing right now. Don’t ask me about the game. It’s rebounding that was it,” she stated. The Valkyries outrebounded Las Vegas 52-25, with standout contributions from Kiah Stokes, who grabbed 14 rebounds, and Kayla Thornton with 11.

During the season, Las Vegas ranked seventh in rebounding, tied with the Indiana Fever, averaging 33.4 rebounds per game. The Valkyries followed closely in ninth place, averaging 33.3 rebounds per game.

While reflecting on the loss, Hammon referred to it as a “good news bad news” scenario for the Aces moving forward. “Good news is we played like [expletive] and only lost by 10. So dissect that however you want,” she concluded before leaving the media session.

The Aces aim to improve in Game 2, which is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 7 at 9:30 p.m. ET.