The Las Vegas Aces edged past the Golden State Valkyries 84–79 in a hard-fought WNBA contest on June 7, 2026, at Michelob Ultra Arena. The defending champions held off a spirited fourth-quarter rally from the expansion Valkyries, improving their record while handing Golden State their second consecutive road loss.
Match Overview
From the opening tip, the Aces established control with their trademark high‑tempo offense. Las Vegas jumped to a 12‑point lead in the second quarter, but the Valkyries—led by sharp perimeter shooting—cut the deficit to five by halftime. The third quarter saw both teams trade baskets, with A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum combining for 14 points in the period to push the lead back to double digits. Golden State refused to fold, trimming the margin to just three points with under two minutes remaining, but critical free‑throw shooting and a late steal sealed the victory for the home side.
Key Moments
- First‑half surge: Las Vegas opened the second quarter on a 9‑2 run, with Chelsea Gray orchestrating the offense and hitting two three‑pointers.
- Valkyries’ response: Rookie guard Kierstan Bell sparked a 7‑0 spurt late in the second quarter, cutting the Aces’ lead to 47‑42 at the break.
- Fourth‑quarter drama: Down 75‑68 with five minutes to play, Golden State’s Mya Hollingshed nailed back‑to‑back triples to make it 77‑75. Aces forward A’ja Wilson then converted a three‑point play and later grabbed a crucial defensive rebound.
- Clutch free throws: With 12 seconds left, Kelsey Plum calmly sank two free throws to put the game out of reach.
Standout Players
A’ja Wilson (Las Vegas): The two‑time MVP finished with 28 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 blocks, dominating the paint on both ends. Her ability to draw fouls—she attempted 10 free throws—was pivotal.
Kelsey Plum (Las Vegas): Added 22 points and 7 assists, including a perfect 6‑for‑6 from the line. She also recorded three steals.
Kierstan Bell (Golden State): The rookie poured in a career‑high 25 points off the bench, shooting 5‑of‑9 from deep. Her energy kept the Valkyries within striking distance.
Mya Hollingshed (Golden State): Chipped in 16 points and 8 rebounds, showcasing her versatility in the pick‑and‑roll.
Season & Table Impact
The win moved Las Vegas to 9‑3 on the season, keeping them within striking distance of the top seed in the Western Conference. For Golden State (4‑8), the defeat was a missed opportunity to build momentum after a promising start. The Valkyries have now lost three of their last four, but their competitiveness against a title favorite signals growth for the expansion franchise.
The Aces will look to extend their winning streak when they face the Chicago Sky on June 10, while Golden State returns home to host the Minnesota Lynx two days later.

