How depth gave Golden State an edge over the defending champions
Golden State used the depth-led approach that carried it to the No. 2 seed and its first opening-round series victory, beating the defending champion Aces 71-60 in Game 1 of the WNBA semifinals.[3] Williams supplied 25 points, 11 rebounds and five assists while scoring or assisting on 36 Valkyries points; Las Vegas shot 4-of-14 when she was the primary defender.[5]
Why it matters
The series contrasts Golden State’s ability to deploy sustained waves of contributors with an injury-thinned Las Vegas roster built around elite top-end talent, making workload and physical attrition central to the matchup.[3]
Key insights
- Golden State outrebounded Las Vegas 52-25, setting a Valkyries record for rebounds and the largest rebound deficit in Aces history.[3]
- The Valkyries won even though their starting point guard rested for nearly an entire half, demonstrating how their bench can preserve energy without surrendering control.[3]
- Williams became the first Valkyries player to record 25 points, 10 rebounds and five assists in a playoff game.[5]