As a second‑year expansion franchise, Golden State has become the fastest team in league history to reach the Finals, eclipsing the usual multi‑year climb that most newcomers endure.

In the decisive Game 3, Kayla Thornton led the charge with 18 points while teammate Gabby Williams contributed 16, eight of them in the extra period, as the Valkyries held the Aces 87‑77.

"It feels special because this is a special group," Williams said, adding that the squad had endured a season without much fanfare, yet their unity kept them smiling.

The sweep also marked the first time a Becky Hammon‑coached Aces team has been swept in the playoffs, a blemish not seen since the franchise’s 2020 Finals loss.

Meanwhile, the Atlanta Dream matched the Valkyries’ feat by sweeping the New York Liberty, securing their first Finals appearance since 2013; the league’s playoff record now stands at 22‑0 when a team leads a series 2‑0.

With home‑court advantage, the second‑seeded Valkyries will host the fourth‑seeded Dream when the Finals begin on October 17, setting up a historic showdown between two unbeaten postseason runs.