The Golden State Valkyries are one win away from the WNBA Finals — in their second season of existence.

Veronica Burton buried a deep three-pointer with 41 seconds left on Wednesday night, then iced the game with two free throws, lifting the Valkyries to an 83-81 win over the defending champion Las Vegas Aces at Ballhalla. Golden State leads the best-of-five semifinal series 2-0.

Burton’s dagger was her only basket of the night, and she could not have picked a better moment. Golden State trailed 66-55 entering the fourth quarter, then rode a raucous home crowd back into it. After a shot-clock violation gave the Valkyries the ball with 1:01 left, Burton delivered.

Tiffany Hayes led Golden State with 21 points, Gabby Williams added 20 points and five rebounds, and Kayla Thornton chipped in 16. The Valkyries, who became the first expansion team in league history to reach the playoffs in their inaugural season last year, are now one victory from playing for a championship.

For Las Vegas, the situation is suddenly dire. A’ja Wilson — named the 2026 MVP on Thursday — had 24 points on 9-of-16 shooting with seven rebounds, but the Aces could not finish. Chelsea Gray’s driving layup attempt in the final seconds was blocked by Kiah Stokes, ending the comeback.

The series moves to Las Vegas for Game 3 on Friday, with the defending champions facing elimination. Coach Becky Hammon said before Wednesday’s game that going home with a split was critical. The Valkyries had other plans.