Valkyries Stun Wings in Epic Comeback, Earn First Playoff Series Win

Las Vegas Valkyries made an unforgettable entrance into WNBA playoff history, storming back from a 16-point deficit to eliminate the Golden State Wings and claim their first playoff series victory as a franchise. In just their inaugural season as an expansion team, the Valkyries demonstrated the kind of playoff resilience that typically takes years to build, proving they're far more than a novelty entry into the league.

The momentum shift in that series told a complete story. Golden State appeared to have control, with their lead swelling into the double digits. But the Valkyries regrouped, tightened their defense, and found their offensive rhythm when it mattered most. That kind of composure—refusing to panic when facing elimination—isn't automatic for any team, let alone one playing its first season together.

What's next: The Valkyries now face the Las Vegas Aces, the defending WNBA champions and one of the league's most dominant organizations. It's a David-versus-Goliath matchup on paper, though the Valkyries have already proven they thrive in underdog scenarios. The crosstown semifinal will be one of the season's most compelling storylines.

For Las Vegas basketball, this run is already a success story. The expansion model worked. The Valkyries assembled enough talent and chemistry to not only make the playoffs but to win when their season was on the line. That's a foundation to build on, regardless of what happens against the Aces.

First-year expansion teams rarely make noise in the postseason, making this run statistically notable. The Valkyries' ability to stay composed down 16 and execute in crunch situations suggests their core group has real chemistry and mental toughness. If they can carry that confidence into the Aces series, they'll at least make it competitive.

Source: original report ↗