The Golden State Valkyries defeated the Las Vegas Aces 71-60 in Game 1 of the WNBA playoffs semifinals on Sunday. The Las Vegas Aces are the defending champions, having won the league title last season. French player Gabby Williams had a strong performance, scoring 25 points on 9/18 shooting, including 4/7 from three-point range, while also recording 11 rebounds and 5 key assists. She was named the best player of the game. Aminata Gueye, another French player with the Valkyries, contributed 9 points in 13 minutes, along with 2 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block, and 1 assist. Janelle Salaün played 6 minutes and scored 2 points on free throws. The Valkyries dominated the boards, securing 52 rebounds compared to Las Vegas' 25, including 17 offensive rebounds. Kiah Stokes collected 14 rebounds, including 7 offensive, and Kayla Thornton added 11. Las Vegas' A'ja Wilson scored 24 points on 8/21 shooting, while Chelsea Gray added 16 points and Jackie Young scored 11. Jewell Loyd left the game early in the third quarter due to a left leg injury. Golden State now leads the series 1-0, with Game 2 scheduled for Wednesday at the Chase Center. In the other semifinal, the Atlanta Dream defeated the New York Liberty 92-82. The Liberty, featuring French players Pauline Astier, Marine Johannès, and Marine Fauthoux, were led by Sabrina Ionescu with 27 points. Astier scored 9 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal in 21 minutes. Johannès scored 3 points on 0/2 shooting but added 1 assist, while Fauthoux contributed 3 assists in 12 minutes. Atlanta's Jordin Canada was pivotal, scoring 25 points, including 20 after halftime, with 5 steals and 4 assists. DeWanna Bonner added 23 points and 9 rebounds, and Angel Reese contributed 17 points, 7 rebounds, 4 steals, and 3 blocks. The Dream outscored the Liberty 32-15 in the third quarter and forced 21 turnovers. Atlanta now leads the series 1-0, with Game 2 also set for Wednesday.