Aminata Gueye joins Golden State

Aminata Gueye, a 24-year-old WNBA newcomer, joined Golden State Valkyries after playing with France’s national team at the FIBA World Cup.

“She’s fearless. Obviously, I’ve known her for a while now and Coach Nat was asking me about her and I was like, ‘Throw her in. That girl is ready,’””

A’ja Wilson faces 2-0 deficit

A’ja Wilson, the WNBA’s most decorated player with five MVP trophies, returned to Las Vegas facing a 2-0 semifinal series deficit against Golden State Valkyries.

Golden State’s rebounding edge

Kiah Stokes and Aminata Gueye gave Golden State a rebounding edge, with Stokes having 14 rebounds in Game 1 and Gueye limiting Wilson’s scoring.

Gueye’s quick transition

Gueye transitioned from international play to WNBA in days after the FIBA World Cup, where she played alongside Valkyries teammates Gabby Williams and Janelle Salaun.

Gueye’s impact on defense

Gueye slowed A’ja Wilson’s scoring, with Wilson needing 21 shots to score 24 points in Game 1 and only six first-half shots before the game’s final minute.

Stokes’ role in series

Kiah Stokes, a 12th-year veteran, became Golden State’s rebounding anchor, helping the Valkyries take a 2-0 series lead with 14 rebounds in Game 1.

Gueye’s playoff performance

Gueye played four regular-season minutes and 10 more in Golden State’s first-round series against Dallas, helping the Valkyries’ pick-and-roll game.

Valkyries’ strategy

Golden State used two centers to slow A’ja Wilson, with Gueye and Stokes managing to keep Wilson below her season averages in points, rebounds, and assists.

Gueye’s readiness

Gueye said she was ready for the challenge, stating, ‘When [Nakase] called my name, I just tried to be ready all the time.’

“When [Nakase] called my name, I just tried to be ready all the time.”

Series outcome

Golden State Valkyries took a 2-0 series lead over Las Vegas Aces in WNBA semifinals after Game 1.