Las Vegas, NV – In a contest that epitomized the thrilling unpredictability of the WNBA, the Las Vegas Aces narrowly defeated the Golden State Valkyries 104-102 at the Michelob ULTRA Arena on Friday, July 12, 2025. This wasn’t just another regular-season matchup; it was a high-octane spectacle marked by remarkable individual performances, relentless back-and-forth action, and a dramatic finish that left fans on the edge of their seats. The focal point of the evening? The triumphant return of Aces superstar A’ja Wilson, whose dominant display ignited a truly memorable battle.
From the opening tip, it was clear Wilson was back with a vengeance. Sidelined by a wrist injury that had kept her out of recent contests, the reigning MVP wasted no time reasserting her authority. Wilson exploded for 34 points and a staggering 16 rebounds, showcasing her unparalleled ability to dominate both ends of the floor. Her presence immediately lifted the Aces, providing a crucial anchor for their offense and a formidable presence in the paint. Early on, Wilson was virtually unstoppable, pouring in 25 points in the first half alone, a career-best for a half, and seemingly dictating the pace of the game.
However, the Golden State Valkyries, an expansion franchise demonstrating impressive resilience in their inaugural season, were far from intimidated. Despite facing a red-hot Wilson and the reigning champions on their home court, the Valkyries demonstrated their burgeoning identity. Led by former Aces players Tiffany Hayes and Kate Martin, Golden State mounted spirited runs throughout the game. Hayes, known for her clutch shooting and veteran savvy, sparked a crucial 9-0 run with back-to-back three-pointers, demonstrating why she was a valuable acquisition for the new team. Martin also contributed from beyond the arc, proving to be a key offensive weapon.
The Valkyries also celebrated a significant milestone, eclipsing the 100-point mark for the first time in franchise history. This offensive surge was fueled by a balanced attack, with all five Golden State starters reaching double figures. Janelle Salaün, who has steadily regained her rhythm since returning from EuroBasket, had a breakout performance with 16 points, demonstrating her potential as a consistent scoring threat. Rookie Veronica Burton also shone brightly on her 25th birthday, delivering an impressive all-around game with 11 points, 8 assists, and 5 rebounds, orchestrating much of the Valkyries’ late-game surge without a single turnover.
As the game wore on, the momentum swung like a pendulum. The Valkyries, displaying remarkable fortitude, continued to chip away at the Aces’ lead. Their defensive adjustments in the third quarter, which saw them tighten their focus on containing Wilson, allowed other Aces to step up. Jackie Young and Jewell Loyd answered the call, combining for 28 points in the third frame alone, shifting the Aces’ attack to a more perimeter-oriented approach. Young, in particular, was sensational in the clutch, scoring the Aces’ final 10 points and securing the victory with a series of decisive plays, including clutch free throws that sealed Golden State’s fate.
In the dying moments, the Valkyries refused to concede. Tiffany Hayes hit a critical three-pointer with just seven seconds left, narrowing the deficit to two points and setting up a nail-biting finish. Despite their valiant efforts and a late long two-pointer from Kayla Thornton, the Aces’ veteran experience and Wilson’s dominant return ultimately proved to be the difference.
This thrilling victory improves the Las Vegas Aces’ season record to 9-11, providing a much-needed morale boost as they navigate the highly competitive 2025 WNBA season. Meanwhile, the Golden State Valkyries, now at 10-10, showcased their potential as a legitimate contender, even in defeat. Their ability to push the reigning champions to the brink highlights the exciting future of this expansion franchise. Fans can look forward to another enthralling chapter when these two teams next collide, as the WNBA continues to deliver high-stakes, unforgettable basketball.
