Valkyries Owner Calls Gabby Williams Best in the World After Game 1 Win

Owner Praises Star Player

The Golden State Valkyries took Game 1 of the WNBA semifinals with a 71-60 victory over the Las Vegas Aces. After the game at Chase Center, Valkyries owner Joe Lacob had high praise for his star player.

Lacob made his feelings clear in the arena tunnels. He said to print that Gabby Williams is the best player in the world.

Williams earned the praise by scoring 25 points, grabbing 11 rebounds, and dishing out five assists. She scored or assisted on 36 of her team's points. She also defended at a high level, holding the Aces to 29 percent shooting on 4 of 14 attempts when she was the primary defender.

Domination on the Glass

With her stat line, Williams became the first player in Valkyries history to record at least 25 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists in a playoff game. She is only the second player in WNBA history to hit those marks in a postseason game against the Aces.

The Valkyries dominated the glass, outrebounding the Aces 52 to 25. That 27 rebound margin is the second-largest difference in WNBA playoff history. The defensive effort also held Las Vegas to a season-low in scoring.

Aces coach Becky Hammon expressed frustration with her team's rebounding. Hammon said that they talked about rebounding and blocking out for 48 hours but did not do it. She added that they played poorly and only lost by 10.

Star Matchups

A'ja Wilson led the Aces with 24 points, shooting 8 of 21 from the field. Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young combined for 25 points.

Williams praised her opponent after the game. She said she has competed against Wilson her entire career and believes Wilson will go down in history as the best player ever. Williams added that playing against players like that is what she dreams about.

Williams has fit in well since joining Golden State in the offseason. She finished second in Defensive Player of the Year voting and is averaging 25 points per game in the playoffs. Only Wilson and Arike Ogunbowale have scored more this postseason.

What it means for the next game

* Las Vegas Aces at Golden State Valkyries (WNBA, Thu, 08 Oct): Golden State Valkyries win 50%, Las Vegas Aces win 50%; projected score Golden State Valkyries 80, Las Vegas Aces 78. Our safest pick: Valkyries +5.5.

* Golden State Valkyries at Las Vegas Aces (WNBA, Sat, 10 Oct): Las Vegas Aces win 47%, Golden State Valkyries win 53%; projected score Las Vegas Aces 82, Golden State Valkyries 82. Our safest pick: Aces +7.5.