LAS VEGAS – The Las Vegas Aces don’t typically play well when being presented with trophies, banners or rings on game days. When the defending champions face the No. 2 seed Golden State Valkyries on Friday, Oct. 9, at Michelob Ultra Arena in Game 3 of the WNBA playoff semifinals, they’ll test if moving the festivities a day prior makes a difference.
Aces star A’ja Wilson was presented with her fifth MVP trophy after a practice in the team’s home arena on Thursday. Now, she’s tasked with leading her team in an elimination game after an emotional day of celebration.
“This actually is cutting into my gym time. I was supposed to go to the court afterwards until all this started to happen. So this is great, but tomorrow when it comes to hoisting it in front of the fans – I love the fans. Thank you so much – but I doubt I’ll be doing that. I will be warming up with my team,” Wilson said. “Everyone in this room knows the competitor that I am and where my focus is, and that is to get a game.”
Wilson is averaging 28.8 points per game in the playoffs, scoring 24 points each in Game 1 and Game 2 against the Valkyries.
Gabby Williams is averaging 24 points per game in the playoffs to lead Golden State, which boasts more depth than the injury-riddled Aces. Strength in numbers was key in their 83-81 Game 2 win on Wednesday, which saw Williams and Veronica Burton make clutch plays after the Aces pulled ahead for the first time in the game in the final 90 seconds after trailing by 17 in the the third quarter.
USA TODAY Sports us providing live coverage of Game 3 of the WNBA playoff semifinal playoff series between the Las Vegas Aces and Golden State Valkyries. Follow along for updates, highlights and everything you need to know:
How Aces coach Becky Hammon helped unlock the best version of A’ja Wilson
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Las Vegas Aces vs. Golden State Valkyries Live: Highlights, score
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