Adam Sandler Courtside Appearance Adds Star Power To Aces-Valkyries Game

Hollywood presence added an extra layer of spotlight to Sunday’s WNBA clash between the Las Vegas Aces and the Golden State Valkyries, as actor Adam Sandler was among the notable spectators at Chase Center in San Francisco. The veteran comedian attended the game with his wife, Jackie, taking in one of the league’s most anticipated matchups of the weekend.

Sandler’s appearance was highlighted during the game when he and his wife were shown on the arena’s Jumbotron, drawing a warm reaction from the crowd. The moment added a celebrity buzz to an already high-profile contest between the reigning WNBA champions and the league’s newest expansion franchise.

On the court, however, the spotlight shifted back to basketball, where the Aces delivered a strong second-half surge to secure a 91-81 win over the Valkyries. Despite a competitive start from the home team, Las Vegas ultimately asserted control behind its star duo.

The game featured multiple momentum swings before the Aces pulled away in the third quarter, showcasing why they remain one of the league’s most dominant teams even amid early-season challenges.

1. Competitive First Half Sets The Tone

Golden State opened the game with energy, outscoring Las Vegas 23-21 in the first quarter and briefly setting an early tone in front of its home crowd. The Valkyries’ aggressive start reflected their intent to challenge the defending champions early. The Aces responded in the second quarter with improved execution on both ends of the floor, taking the period 22-18. That adjustment allowed Las Vegas to enter halftime with a narrow two-point advantage despite the Valkyries’ strong opening effort. Both teams played with pace and physicality through the first 24 minutes, with neither side able to fully separate until the game shifted after the break. The competitive balance early suggested a tightly contested finish. Still, Las Vegas’ experience in high-pressure situations began to show as the game progressed toward the second half.

2. Aces Take Control After Halftime Surge

The decisive stretch came in the third quarter, where the Aces delivered their strongest push of the game. Las Vegas outscored Golden State 29-13 in the period, creating a double-digit cushion that shifted momentum firmly in their favor. A’ja Wilson anchored the surge with another dominant all-around performance, consistently attacking inside and controlling the glass. Her presence forced Golden State into defensive rotations that opened up additional scoring opportunities for the Aces. Jackie Young also played a key role in the victory, providing both scoring and playmaking stability. Her ability to generate offense complemented Wilson’s interior dominance and helped stretch the Valkyries’ defense. By the end of the third quarter, Las Vegas had established control, leaving Golden State with a significant deficit heading into the final frame.

3. Late Push Falls Short For Valkyries

Golden State attempted to respond in the fourth quarter, producing its highest-scoring period of the game with 27 points. The rally showed resilience and offensive rhythm, but the earlier gap proved too large to overcome. Gabby Williams led the Valkyries with 20 points on efficient shooting, providing consistent production throughout the contest. Her scoring kept Golden State competitive during stretches when the offense struggled to find flow. Off the bench, Janelle Salaun contributed 16 points, offering a spark in limited minutes and helping fuel the team’s late push. However, the lack of sustained defensive stops prevented a full comeback. Despite the loss, the Valkyries showed flashes of competitiveness against one of the league’s elite teams, while the Aces reaffirmed their status with another strong showing following early-season adversity.