How depth gave Golden State an edge over the defending champions

Golden State used the depth-led approach that carried it to the No. 2 seed and its first opening-round series victory, beating the defending champion Aces 71-60 in Game 1 of the WNBA semifinals.[3] Williams supplied 25 points, 11 rebounds and five assists while scoring or assisting on 36 Valkyries points; Las Vegas shot 4-of-14 when she was the primary defender.[5] Why it matters: The series contrasts Golden State’s ability to deploy sustained waves of contributors with an injury-thinned Las Vegas roster built around elite top-end talent, making workload and physical attrition central to the matchup.[3] Key insights: Golden State outrebounded Las Vegas 52-25, setting a Valkyries record for rebounds and the largest rebound deficit in Aces history.[3] | The Valkyries won even though their starting point guard rested for nearly an entire half, demonstrating how their bench can preserve energy without surrendering control.[3] | Williams became the first Valkyries player to record 25 points, 10 rebounds and five assists in a playoff game.[5] Cheatsheet facts: What changed: Golden State took a 1-0 semifinal lead with a 71-60 win and a 52-25 rebounding advantage.[3] | Why now: The Valkyries can rotate through a deep roster against an Aces team already thinned by injuries.[3] | Watch next: Track Game 2’s rebounding margin, Williams’ two-way production and how broadly Golden State distributes its minutes.[3][5]