The Las Vegas Aces' title defense came to an abrupt end on Friday night as the second-year New York Liberty Valkyries secured a spot in the WNBA Finals. The Valkyries defeated the defending champions 87-77 in overtime during Game 3 of the series, completing a decisive sweep.
With the victory, the Valkyries have established themselves as the quickest expansion team in league history to reach the championship round. Their rapid ascent marks a significant milestone for the franchise, which is only in its second season of operation.
The Aces, who entered the postseason as the reigning champions, were unable to overcome the Valkyries' momentum in the decisive game. The overtime period proved to be the deciding factor, allowing the Valkyries to close out the series and advance to the final stage of the tournament.
This achievement highlights the competitive depth of the current WNBA landscape, where new entrants are quickly challenging established powerhouses. The Valkyries' performance in the conference finals has set the stage for a high-profile matchup in the upcoming Finals.
<small>Source: ESPN — read the original story there.</small>
