WNBA playoffs: Gabby Williams leads Valkyries to Game 1 win over Aces with 25 points, 11 rebounds

After leading the Golden State Valkyries into the WNBA semifinals, Gabby Williams scored a game-high 25 points in a Game 1 win over the Las Vegas Aces.Kavin Mistry via Getty ImagesThe defending WNBA champion Las Vegas Aces won all three of their matchups with the Golden State Valkyries during the regular season. But the Valkyries demonstrated that the postseason is a different scenario, winning Game 1 of their semifinal playoff series, 71-60.After a hot second half in a Game 3 victory over the Dallas Wings to close out that first-round playoff series, Gabby Williams maintained her scoring touch against the Aces. The eighth-year veteran finished with 25 points, tallying 18 of them in the first half. She also recorded 11 rebounds and 5 assists.Kaitlyn Chen was the only other Valkyries player to score in double figures, adding 11 points off the bench.Neither team shot well in Game 1The Aces were led by A'ja Wilson's 24 points, but she made only 8 of 21 shots from the floor and grabbed four rebounds. Chelsea Gray followed with 16 points, hitting 3 of 6 3-pointers, and Jackie Young added 11. But both players shot a combined 9 of 29 for the game. To the surprise of no one the Golden State Valkyries are showing help and sending help on A'ja Wilson drives. pic.twitter.com/7BL41NCR3x— Steve Jones (@stevejones20) October 4, 2026 To be fair, neither team shot well, whether it was from fatigue after finishing their respective first-round playoff series, opening-game nerves or tough defense on both sides. Las Vegas finished 34% (21 of 62) and 33% (7 of 21) from long range. Golden State shot 38% (26 of 69), 29% (7 of 24) on 3-pointers. However, the Valkyries had a major advantage on the boards, grabbing 52 rebounds (17 on the offensive end) to the Aces' 25."It's good news, bad news," Aces coach Becky Hammon said after the game. "Good news is, we played like a** and only lost by 10."With their shooting struggles, the Valkyries weren't able to pull away from the Aces until late in the game. Each time it appeared that Golden State might go on a run, Las Vegas was able to answer, often with a 3-pointer from Gray or Young. But this was a three-point game at the half, with the Valkyries leading 34-31. Finally, with just over two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, Golden State was able to open up a 10-point lead. Shortly thereafter, the Valkyries were up by 13 with baskets by Williams and Chen.Aminata Gueye provided an unexpected boost with nine points off the bench for Golden State, making 4 of her 5 shots. The 6-foot-3 center also played a large role defensively on Wilson, making it difficult for the four-time WNBA MVP to get close to the basket. The Aces also played most of the second half without guard Jewell Loyd, who sustained a left leg injury early in the third quarter. After going to the locker room to be evaluated, Loyd eventually returned to the bench but was ruled out for the remainder of the game. She finished with no points, 2 rebounds and 1 assist in 17 minutes. Game 2 is scheduled for Wednesday at 9:30 p.m. ET at Chase Center in San Francisco, and will be televised on Peacock and NBC Sports Network.Follow the live updates, highlights and news from the Valkyries' Game 1 win over the Aces below.