SAN FRANCISCO, CA – The Las Vegas Aces edged the Golden State Valkyries 78–72 at the Chase Center. All-Star center A’ja Wilson led the way with 27 points, 7 rebounds. Golden State was paced by Tiffany Hayes (14 points, 9 rebounds) and Janelle Salaün (13 points).
After a back-and-forth opening half, Las Vegas surged with a 13-4 run to close the third quarter, pushing ahead 64–54. Golden State’s defense stiffened in the fourth, holding the Aces to just 16.7% shooting, but Vegas stayed afloat with timely free-throws.
Rookie guard Carla Leite provided a notable spark off the bench, finishing with 11 points on 4-for-12 shooting, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists in 24 minutes. Her aggressive drives into the lane earned her extended minutes in the fourth quarter, with head coach Natalie Nakase opting to keep her in over veteran Veronica Burton. “Her composure, her ability to pick up the game plan quickly, her ability to pick up what we want from her quickly.” Leite was one of just two bench players to reach double figures, helping keep the Valkyries within striking distance.
The other, Kaila Charles, in just her third game with the Valkyries, she continued to make her presence known, delivering 11 points on an impressive 4-of-5 shooting — her second straight game in double figures.
Despite these efforts, Golden State struggled from deep and tallied a season-low nine assists, limiting their offensive rhythm.
“At the end of the day, I’m fine with our girls playing their hearts out tonight. If they’re frustrated, great. Because I’m a little frustrated too. And I don’t mind a little pain.” Coach Nakase says. The loss drops the Valkyries to 14-15, trimming their playoff cushion to half a game over the Sparks with 15 games remaining. Nakase stressed the importance of sharper execution as the team navigates the final stretch, while Leite’s performance hinted at her growing role in the rotation.