The Golden State Valkyries advanced to the WNBA Finals in just their second season as an expansion franchise after sweeping the Las Vegas Aces. They won Game 3, 87-77 in overtime, on the road Friday night at Michelob ULTRA Arena.

Kayla Thornton led the Valkyries with 18 points. Gabby Williams added 16 points, including eight in overtime. Kiah Stokes and Tiffany Hayes each scored 11 points, with Stokes posting a double-double of 10 rebounds and three blocks. The Valkyries outscored the Aces 16-6 in the extra period after forcing overtime on a late run.

The second-seeded Valkyries will host the fourth-seeded Atlanta Dream in the best-of-seven Finals, beginning October 17 at Chase Center in San Francisco. The Dream reached the Finals by sweeping the New York Liberty.

Golden State became the quickest expansion team to reach the WNBA Finals. The franchise opened as a favorite to win the championship. Coach Natalie Nakase, a former assistant with the Aces, guided the deep and defensively oriented roster through the series.

The Aces, who won three of the past four titles, were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs for the first time under their recent coaching staff. A'ja Wilson scored 21 points for Las Vegas in the clincher.

The Valkyries' postseason run highlights the rapid rise of the Bay Area franchise, which made the playoffs in its debut season last year.