The Aces face a must-win situation as they try to keep their championship defense alive. For the Valkyries, another victory would complete a stunning postseason run in just their second season in the league.

The stakes are even more urgent for Las Vegas, which must win to force Game 4 and avoid elimination. A’ja Wilson, who recently earned a record fifth WNBA MVP award, remains central to the Aces’ hopes of mounting a comeback.

What happens if the Valkyries win vs. Aces today?

If the Golden State Valkyries beat the Las Vegas Aces in Game 3, they will sweep the semifinal series 3-0 and advance to the 2026 WNBA Finals for the first time in franchise history. Golden State enters Friday, with a 2-0 lead in the best-of-five series and needs just one more victory to eliminate the defending champions.

The Valkyries have already demonstrated that they can handle the pressure against one of the league’s most successful teams. They opened the series with a 71-60 win on October 4, then edged Las Vegas 83-81 in Game 2 on October 7.

Veronica Burton delivered the decisive three-pointer in the closing minute, while Tiffany Hayes led Golden State with 21 points and Gabby Williams added 20.

A third consecutive victory would cap a remarkable postseason run for a franchise in only its second WNBA season. It would also give Golden State additional rest before the Finals begin on October 17.

What happens if the Aces win vs. Valkyries today?

If the Las Vegas Aces defeat the Golden State Valkyries in Game 3, they will cut the semifinal series deficit to 2-1 and keep their hopes of reaching the 2026 WNBA Finals alive. The defending champions would still need to win two consecutive games to advance.

Las Vegas would need to build on the late rally it produced in Game 2, when it erased much of a 17-point deficit and briefly took the lead in the fourth quarter before falling 83-81.

A’ja Wilson finished with 24 points and seven rebounds, while Chelsea Gray helped spark the comeback. Despite that effort, the Aces could not contain Golden State’s clutch execution in the final possessions.

Can the Aces still reach the 2026 WNBA Finals if they lose Game 3?

No. If the Las Vegas Aces lose Game 3, they will be eliminated from the 2026 WNBA playoffs, and the Golden State Valkyries will advance to the Finals with a 3-0 semifinal sweep.

The series is a best-of-five matchup, meaning the first team to win three games advances. With Golden State already leading 2-0, a third victory would settle the series without the need for Game 4 or Game 5.

The elimination stakes are especially high for Las Vegas, which entered the postseason seeking another championship after winning three of the previous four WNBA titles.

Gabby Williams‘ team opened the series with a 71-60 victory, its first win of the season against the defending champions. With the series following a best-of-five format, every possible result on Wednesday carries a different consequence.

A Valkyries win would put Golden State one victory from the Finals, while an Aces victory would even the series and shift the momentum heading into Game 3 in Las Vegas. So, what happens if the Valkyries win, tie or lose vs. the Aces today?

What happens if the Valkyries win Game 2?

If the Valkyries win Game 2, they will take a 2-0 lead over the Aces and move within one victory of reaching the WNBA Finals. Golden State already leads the best-of-five series 1-0 after beating Las Vegas 71-60 in Game 1, so another win at Chase Center would put the No. 2 seed in position to close out the matchup as early as Game 3.

Game 3 is scheduled for Friday, October 9, at the Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas. If Golden State wins that game as well, the Valkyries would complete a 3-0 sweep and advance to the Finals. Games 4 and 5 would not be played because the series would already be decided.

A 2-0 advantage would also give them some important historical context. The Valkyries are trying to reach the WNBA Finals for the first time in franchise history, while the Aces are the defending champions and have won three titles in the last four seasons.

What happens if the Aces win Game 2?

If the Aces win Game 2, the semifinal series will be tied 1-1, sending the matchup to Las Vegas with both teams needing two more victories to advance. The result would erase Golden State’s early advantage and give the defending champions a chance to regain control on their home floor in Game 3.

Game 3 will be played on Friday, followed by Game 4 at the same venue on Sunday, October 11, if necessary. If the series is still tied after four games, a decisive Game 5 would return to Chase Center on Wednesday, October 14.

The Aces have already shown that losing Game 1 does not necessarily mean the series is over. Las Vegas has lost the opening game of a best-of-five semifinal five times during the 2020s and went on to win the series in three of those cases — against Connecticut in 2020, Seattle in 2022 and Indiana in 2025.

What happens if Valkyries vs. Aces is tied at the end of regulation?

If Valkyries vs. Aces is tied after regulation, the game will go to overtime rather than ending in a tie. The winner of overtime will officially win Game 2, so there is no scenario in which the semifinal series becomes tied because the teams finish the game with the same score.

The WNBA‘s rules provide for overtime periods when necessary to determine a winner. That means the series implications depend on the eventual winner, not the score after the fourth quarter.

If Golden State wins in overtime, the Valkyries would still take a 2-0 series lead and move one victory from the Finals. If Las Vegas wins in overtime, the series would become 1-1 heading into Game 3 in Las Vegas.

The possibility of overtime can also affect coaching decisions and rotations. WNBA rules allow each team two team timeouts plus one Reset timeout during overtime, giving coaches additional opportunities to manage the extra period.

How many games do the Valkyries need to reach the WNBA finals?

The Valkyries need to win three games in the best-of-five semifinal series to reach the WNBA Finals. Because Golden State already won Game 1, it needs two more victories to eliminate the Aces and advance.

The format is straightforward: the first team to reach three wins takes the series. That means the Valkyries could advance in three games with a Game 2 victory followed by a Game 3 win, or they could need four or even five games depending on how Las Vegas responds.

The 2026 WNBA postseason uses a best-of-three first round, best-of-five semifinals and best-of-seven Finals. If Golden State reaches the championship series, the Finals will begin October 17 and require four wins to claim the WNBA title.

The final score of the first game at Michelob ULTRA Arena was 102-85, and now the Fever find themselves with their backs against the wall. The home crowd will need to make its presence felt, while stars like Clark and Sophie Cunningham will have to give it their all.

The WNBA is entering a decisive stage, and the Aces are looking to secure their spot in the next round. Can the Fever stay alive and force a deciding Game 3?

What happens if the Fever defeat the Aces?

The Indiana Fever absolutely need to defeat the Las Vegas Aces to stay alive in the playoffs. Since it is a best-of-three series, losing the opener has put them in a difficult position, and another defeat would mean elimination.

The situation for the Aces is completely different. Their 1-0 lead gives them the opportunity not only to close out the series at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, but also, in case of a loss, to take the series back home and decide it in Game 3, October 1.

What happens if the Fever and Aces tie?

Ties are not an option in this league, so if the score is level at the end of regulation, the game will go into overtime. There, five-minute quarters will be played, and whichever team is ahead at the end will be crowned the winner.

What happens if the Fever lose to the Aces?

If the Fever lose Game 2 against the Aces, their elimination will be confirmed. The dream of potentially reaching the WNBA Finals for the first time in 11 years will be over, while Las Vegas will advance to the next round.

Key takeaways

• Indiana Fever lost 102-85 against the Las Vegas Aces in playoff Game 1.
• A tied score at regulation’s end forces five-minute overtime periods until a winner emerges.
• Losing Game 2 would eliminate Caitlin Clark and Indiana from the postseason.

“They’re good defenders, but at the same time, we made it hard on ourselves too. Our actions were sloppy. I thought what we were running just wasn’t great, and just nobody got an easy or open look,” Clark said once the game concluded.

Before the end of the first half, the difference between the two teams in favor of Las Vegas was 15 points. As the minutes went by, that lead proved too much for the Fever to overcome, as they ultimately lost the game 102-85.

Clark was well defended

Caitlin Clark recorded a double-double with 15 points and 10 assists across 34 minutes on the floor, but she had a tough night largely because the Aces locked her down defensively from the jump. Chelsea Gray took on the main task of picking her up full-court and pressuring her off the bounce, while Las Vegas made a point to blitz her on pick-and-rolls, constantly throwing physical baseline help at her to force the ball out of her hands.

That relentless pressure held her to 6-for-17 shooting from the field (35.3%) and 3-for-10 from deep, forced 6 turnovers, and kept her to just 3 rebounds.

The Fever are on the brink

Following their first setback, the Fever find themselves backed into a corner as they prepare to face Las Vegas Aces again in Game 2 next Tuesday, September 29, where their season is officially on the line.

While the outcome could have been different had they won against the Aces, Indiana must now quickly regroup and adjust to Las Vegas’ aggressive defense to avoid elimination. If the Fever manage to force a decisive Game 3, they will stay alive for a spot in the WNBA Finals; otherwise, their playoff run comes to an early end.

Key takeaways

• The Indiana Fever fell behind by 15 points before losing Game 1 102-85.
• Caitlin Clark recorded 15 points and 10 assists despite facing intense defensive pressure.
• Indiana faces elimination in Game 2 against the Las Vegas Aces on Tuesday, September 29.

Michelob ULTRA Arena will be the main stage where the Aces will look to capitalize on their home-court advantage and get off to a strong start. For Stephanie White’s squad, the goal is to make a statement and take the lead right from the opening game.

After 11 years, the Fever are looking to return to the Finals, with their only championship coming back in 2012 against the Minnesota Lynx. Clark, the team’s biggest star, is looking to win her first championship since entering the WNBA.

What happens if the Fever defeat the Aces?

If the Indiana Fever manage to defeat the Aces in Game 1, they will not only take a 1-0 series lead, but will also have the opportunity to close out the series at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Tuesday, September 29.

It is worth noting at this point that, since this is the first playoff round, the series is decided in a best-of-three format. This means that whichever team wins two of the three games will advance to the next round.

What happens if the Fever and Aces tie?

In WNBA, games cannot end in a tie, so if the Indiana Fever and Las Vegas Aces are tied at the end of regulation (four quarters), they play a 5-minute overtime period (and additional 5-minute overtimes until a winner is decided).

What happens if the Fever lose to the Aces?

A loss to the Aces in Game 1 would put Stephanie White’s Fever in a difficult position. When they return to Indianapolis for Game 2, Indiana will have to win to keep the series alive and force a decisive third game.

This potential matchup is scheduled for next Thursday, October 1, also in Las Vegas. Whichever team wins that game will advance to the next round.

Key takeaways

• The Indiana Fever aim to return to the Finals after an 11-year absence.
• Winning Game 1 allows Indiana to close out the series on Tuesday, September 29.
• Ties lead to a 5-minute overtime period until a winner is decided.

Clark announced in early September that she would miss the remainder of the season due to a groin injury that had limited her throughout the year. The superstar had already missed 19 straight games before confirming on social media that she would sit out the rest of the playoffs.

Even without Clark, Indiana delivered an impressive 89–73 road win in Game 1. Now, the Fever are looking to take a 2-0 lead in the best-of-five series before returning home with a chance to close it out.

Fever shine in Game 1 win

In the absence of Caitlin Clark, it was guard Kelsey Mitchell who stepped up to lead the Fever. The 29-year-old poured in a postseason career-high 34 points, adding three assists and a rebound in 34 minutes of action to power Indiana past the Aces.

Young forward Aliyah Boston also made a major impact on the defensive end, helping contain league MVP A’ja Wilson. The Aces star was held to 16 points on 6-of-22 shooting, though she still managed to grab 13 rebounds.

Fever head coach Stephanie White credited her team’s defensive effort against Wilson, while acknowledging the challenge of guarding the four-time MVP. “I think the biggest thing is, she’s the best player in the world,” White said on the In Case You Missed It with Khristina Williams podcast. “And you’re not going to take away what she does best. She missed a lot of shots that she typically makes“.

“We just have to try to keep her off balance and make her shots as tough as possible. I think AB was quoted as saying, ‘I just tried to be annoying.’ And that’s it. You just have to make it as difficult as possible. She’s going to do what she does best. There’s a reason she is a four-time MVP of this league,” she added.

What exactly is coach Hammon referring to with that statement? Specifically, to the performance of A’ja Wilson — the recently crowned league MVP — who didn’t have her best game against the Fever.

Following the 89–73 loss on their home court, Aces head coach Becky Hammon spoke to the media and issued a warning to opponents — her star player doesn’t usually have two bad games in a row.

“I think she just missed, honestly. She had a lot of great looks… I’ll tell you this, she doesn’t normally play two stinkers in a row,” Hammon said via Tony East.

Wilson’s performance

While the Indiana Fever stole the show in their Game 1 upset, the performance of Aces MVP A’ja Wilson left many wanting more. Wilson finished with a solid stat line of 16 points, 13 rebounds, and 1 assist in 34 minutes of play, but the numbers don’t tell the full story.

The reigning MVP was uncharacteristically quiet, struggling to assert her dominance and take over the game as fans have grown accustomed to seeing. With the Aces’ offense stalling at critical moments, many expected Wilson to elevate her play and carry her team to victory. Instead, she was outshined by the Fever’s Kelsey Mitchell, who delivered a career night.

The Aces will need their star player to be more aggressive and impactful on both ends of the court if they hope to even the series and keep their championship hopes alive.

What’s next for the Aces?

• Michelob ULTRA Arena Las Vegas, September 23
• @ Gainbridge Fieldhouse Indianapolis, September 26
• @ Gainbridge Fieldhouse Indianapolis, September 28 (If necessary)
• Michelob ULTRA Arena Las Vegas, September 30 (If necessary)

After earning this individual honor, the South Carolina alum and veteran star delivered a heartfelt message — aimed directly at those who never believed in her talent.

“It hasn’t been easy for us,” she said. “They counted us out, they wrote us all off, but we showed up every single day and we worked our asses off… it has my name on it and it’s gonna be that, but this one is all of us. There is no that without each and every one of you guys.”

Wilson wrapped up the season posting averages of 23.4 points and 10.2 rebounds per game, powering the No. 2 seed Aces as they pursue their third championship in four years with her at the forefront.

From the King to the Queen

Earning the league’s MVP title is no small feat — and it’s a distinction that A’ja Wilson can proudly add to her legacy. The recognition didn’t go unnoticed, and none other than LeBron James himself took to social media to congratulate the Aces’ star on her incredible achievement.

“4 piece chicken nugget!!!! Congratulations sis!,” the Lakers star posted on his Instagram official account.

The finals in sight

The Las Vegas Aces are on a clear mission to return to the WNBA Finals and capture another championship. After a dominant regular season led by MVP A’ja Wilson, the team has navigated the early rounds of the playoffs with its sights set on a repeat.

However, standing in their way is a resilient Indiana Fever team that has proven to be a dangerous spoiler. While the Aces’ star power and veteran experience give them a clear advantage, the Fever’s balanced attack and tenacious defense have presented a unique challenge.

With their young core and newfound momentum, Indiana will look to disrupt the Aces’ dynasty and pull off an upset that would send them to the Finals, while Las Vegas must prove that their championship mettle is enough to overcome the rising threat of the Fever.

NaLyssa Smith has quickly emerged as one of the brightest young stars. Standing out for her versatility and athleticism, she has already become a key figure for the Las Vegas Aces, turning heads with her combination of power, agility, and court awareness.

Since being drafted, she has impressed with her ability to adapt and elevate her game. Her presence in the paint and on the perimeter adds a dynamic edge to the lineup, hinting at a player who could shape the team’s identity for years to come.

Her journey reflects resilience and rapid growth. Navigating trades and rising expectations, she continues to evolve, offering glimpses of leadership and determination that promise a career as compelling as her highlights in the WNBA.

How old is NaLyssa Smith?

Born on August 8, 2000, in Converse, Texas, NaLyssa Smith is currently 25 years old. She honed her skills at Baylor University, where she led the Bears to a national championship and earned All-American honors. Her standout college career paved the way for her selection as the 2nd overall pick in the 2022 WNBA Draft by the Indiana Fever.

How tall is NaLyssa Smith?

NaLyssa Smith stands at an imposing 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 meters) and weighs 185 pounds (83.9 kg). Her height and athletic build make her a formidable presence on the court, contributing to her versatility and effectiveness in both offensive and defensive plays.

NaLyssa Smith’s love life and family

NaLyssa Smith’s personal life is as dynamic as her basketball career. She has been in a relationship with fellow WNBA player DiJonai Carrington since their college days at Baylor University. Their bond has been a topic of interest among fans and media alike.

However, recent developments have added complexity to their relationship. In July 2025, she was traded from the Dallas Wings to the Las Vegas Aces, a move that separated the couple both professionally and personally.

She expressed her heartbreak over the trade, stating she was “sick to my stomach” upon hearing the news. Despite the distance, both players continue to support each other, with Carrington acknowledging the challenges of being apart but remaining hopeful for their future together.

Family plays a pivotal role in her life. She was born to Rodney and Nikki Smith. Rodney Sr. is a former professional basketball player who competed in leagues across Australia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Nikki, her mother, had a successful career as a model and is an active presence on social media.

What is NaLyssa Smith’s jersey number?

NaLyssa Smith currently wears jersey number 3 for the Las Vegas Aces. After being traded from the Dallas Wings in 2025, she has become an integral part of their frontcourt, contributing significantly to the team’s success. Her presence has bolstered the Aces’ lineup, enhancing their depth and championship aspirations.

NaLyssa Smith’s career highlights

• WNBA All-Rookie Team (2022): She made an immediate impact in her debut season with the Indiana Fever, averaging 13.5 points and 7.9 rebounds per game. This recognition reflected her seamless transition from college to the professional stage, proving she could handle the physicality and speed of the WNBA while maintaining consistency on both ends of the court.

• Athletes Unlimited League Champion (2023): Participating in the Athletes Unlimited basketball league allowed her to showcase her versatility. Leading her team to the championship, she displayed leadership skills and adaptability, proving she can thrive in different team environments and formats while contributing significantly to victories.

• NCAA Champion with Baylor (2019): Winning the national championship at Baylor was a defining moment in her college career. She played a critical role in the Bears’ title run, demonstrating poise in high-pressure situations and cementing her reputation as a clutch performer capable of dominating on a national stage.

• Wade Trophy (2021): Receiving the Wade Trophy marked her as the top female college basketball player in the nation. It was a testament not only to her statistics but also to her impact on the court as a leader, her work ethic, and her influence on her team’s culture.

• Honda Sports Award (2021): This award recognized her excellence beyond basketball, acknowledging her as a model student-athlete who excelled in sportsmanship, academics, and community impact. It highlighted the holistic approach she brings to her career.

• 2× WBCA Coaches’ All-American (2021, 2022): Being named an All-American twice by the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association confirmed her consistency and elite status in college basketball, earning recognition from coaches nationwide who saw her as one of the game’s top talents.

• 2× First-team All-American – AP (2021, 2022): Selection to the Associated Press First-Team All-American squad reflected her dominance at the national level, acknowledging her as one of the top five players in college basketball for two consecutive seasons.

• First-team All-American – USBWA (2022) and Second-team (2021): Recognition by the United States Basketball Writers Association highlighted her consistent performance and national influence, showing her rise from promising talent to established star.

• 2× Big 12 Player of the Year (2021, 2022): Her back-to-back Player of the Year awards in the Big 12 Conference reflected her dominance in one of the most competitive leagues in college basketball. She led her team in scoring, rebounding, and efficiency, setting the stage for her professional career.

From dominating college courts to rising as a key forward, NaLyssa Smith’s journey has been marked by skill, determination, and moments that turn heads. Her path reflects both talent and the increasing recognition of women’s basketball stars.

Her role with the Las Vegas Aces positions her among the league’s most watched players. Beyond stats and highlights, the questions about her professional value and earnings add another layer to understanding the impact she brings to the team.

As the WNBA grows in popularity and financial influence, players like her represent both athletic prowess and the evolving economics of the sport. Her story intertwines on-court performance with off-court negotiations that shape careers.

What is NaLyssa Smith’ salary with Las Vegas Aces?

NaLyssa Smith earns a base salary of $91,981 for the 2025 WNBA season, according to Spotrac. This figure places her among the mid-tier earners on the team, reflecting her status as a key rotational player.

In comparison to some of her teammates, such as A’ja Wilson, who earn significantly higher salaries, her compensation aligns with her current role and experience level. Her earnings are structured within the salary cap constraints.

Despite being on a rookie-scale contract, her salary reflects the Aces’ investment in her potential. As she continues to develop and contribute to the team’s success, future contract negotiations may see her earnings increase.

NaLyssa Smith’s contract: How long does the deal last?

NaLyssa Smith’s current contract with the Las Vegas Aces is a three-year deal valued at $226,668. This contract includes a team option for the 2025 season, which the Aces exercised, confirming their commitment.

The structure provides them with flexibility, allowing the team to assess her performance over the initial years before making long-term decisions. As a restricted free agent following the 2025 season, her future will depend on her.

The Aces’ decision to acquire her from the Dallas Wings underscores their belief in her potential. This trade indicates a commitment to integrating her into their core group, with the expectation that she will contribute significantly.

The three-time WNBA MVP powered the Aces with 32 points and a career-high 20 rebounds, becoming the first player in league history to record a double-double of 30-plus points and at least 20 rebounds in a single game.

“It’s huge,” Wilson told ESPN after the game. “I didn’t even know, as many greats as we have in this league, it’s kind of a shocker that it’s just now happening. It’s a blessing. I love what I do. I love what I do. I love it so much, so anytime that I can come out and just play basketball the way that I love it, and the team, and we’re all getting involved — I’m happy with that”.

Wilson is putting together an MVP-caliber campaign. Over her last three games, she’s averaging 29.3 points, 13.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.3 steals in 34.3 minutes per contest. The two-time WNBA champion also reflected on what it means to be the first player to achieve such a feat, while recognizing others could soon follow.

“It’s pretty cool to have my name in the record books when it comes to that,” Wilson said. “I’m pretty sure there’s going to be a lot following up. So yeah, it’s pretty cool to kind of be the first one”.

Wilson continues to impress

Wilson’s latest milestone comes as no surprise. This season, the Aces’ superstar became the fastest and second-youngest player in WNBA history to reach 5,000 career points, while also ranking first in 30-point games since entering the league in 2018, per ESPN.

At 29, the two-time WNBA champion already owns a long list of records, yet she continues to prove there’s more to achieve. Her teammate Jackie Young said Wilson’s consistency — even against the toughest defensive schemes — is what sets her apart.

“Every night she shows up, and I think that’s why she’s so great at what she does,” Young said. “She’s a super hard worker, so it’s cool to see her hard work pay off. At the same time, they’re bringing double teams to her, triple teams to her, and she’s having to navigate that and play out of it. She’s still able to put up insane numbers every night“.