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 seeded 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. The Valkyries are up 2-0 in the series and can advance to the WNBA Finals with a victory.
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," Wilson said. "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.
"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.
What time is Las Vegas Aces vs. Golden State Valkyries?
07:09 AM ET, October 9 2026The Las Vegas Aces face off against the Golden State Valkyries on Friday, Oct. 8, at 9:30 p.m. ET (6:30 p.m. PT) at Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas.
- Date: Friday, Oct. 8
- Time: 9:30 p.m. ET (6:30 p.m. PT)
- Location: Michelob Ultra Arena (Las Vegas)
What channel is Las Vegas Aces vs. Golden State Valkyries on?
- TV: NBC Sports
- Stream: Peacock
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: A'ja Wilson, Las Vegas Aces vs Golden State Valkyries WNBA playoffs: Time, TV
