A’ja Wilson just got handed her fifth MVP trophy after practice on Thursday, but trust me, the celebration for the Las Vegas Aces superstar is *not* over. She’s immediately tasked with leading her team in a Game 3 elimination game against the No. 2 seed Golden State Valkyries tonight, Friday, October 9, at Michelob Ultra Arena.
The MVP Trophy and the Aces’ Superstition
You know how some teams just have weird quirks? Well, the defending champion Aces don’t usually play well on game days when they’re getting trophies, banners, or rings. It’s a thing, apparently. So, what did they do? They tried to outsmart fate! Wilson’s fifth MVP trophy presentation got moved to Thursday, the day *before* Game 3. The hope was to avoid that trophy-curse jinx for this crucial semifinal matchup.
But don’t think for a second Wilson isn’t locked in. Even with all the hoopla, she was ready to hit the court. “This actually is cutting into my gym time. I was supposed to go to the court afterwards until all this started to happen. So 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,” Wilson straight-up told everyone. She knows what time it is. “Everyone in this room knows the competitor that I am and where my focus is, and that is to get a game.” Wilson has been averaging a ridiculous 28.8 points per game in the playoffs, dropping 24 points in both Game 1 and Game 2 against the Valkyries.
Valkyries’ Depth Is Causing Major Headaches
Here’s the real problem for the Aces: the Golden State Valkyries are coming in hot and they are *deep*. We’re talking strength in numbers, especially against an Aces squad that’s dealing with injuries. Just look at Game 2 on Wednesday: the Valkyries pulled off an incredible 83-81 win, despite trailing by a massive 17 points in the third quarter! The Aces actually snagged the lead for the first time in the final 90 seconds, but Golden State just wouldn’t quit.
It was Gabby Williams, who’s averaging 24 points per game in these playoffs, and Veronica Burton who made those huge, clutch plays to seal the deal in Game 2. These Valkyries are proving they’re not just some pushover No. 2 seed. They’ve got the depth and the grit to push the defending champs to the absolute limit.
Game 3: All Or Nothing
So, here we are, Game 3 tonight. It’s elimination time for the Aces. Can Wilson, fresh off her MVP honor, lead her team to keep their season alive? Or will the Valkyries’ depth and momentum from that insane Game 2 comeback send the champs packing? Get ready, because this is going to be wild.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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