The Golden State Valkyries are one win from the WNBA Finals after holding off the defending champion Las Vegas Aces 83-81 on Wednesday night, taking a 2-0 lead in their best-of-five semifinal series. Veronica Burton broke a late tie with a 3-pointer with 41 seconds remaining, then made two free throws in the closing seconds. It was her only basket of the game, but it proved decisive after a shot-clock violation gave Golden State possession with 1:01 left. The Aces had a final chance after Jackie Young missed the second of two free throws with six seconds to go. Chelsea Gray collected the rebound and drove for a layup, but Kiah Stokes blocked the attempt and Burton secured the ball to seal the win. Tiffany Hayes led the Valkyries with 21 points, while Gabby Williams added 20 points and five rebounds and Kayla Thornton scored 16. Las Vegas star A’ja Wilson had 24 points on 9-for-16 shooting and grabbed seven rebounds. Golden State led 66-55 entering the fourth quarter, but Las Vegas mounted a comeback. Gray’s jumper cut the deficit to five, Dana Evans hit a 3-pointer to make it a three-point game, and Gray later tied the score with a 3 with 2:10 remaining before Burton’s late shot put the Valkyries ahead. The series moves to Las Vegas for Game 3 on Friday. The Aces, who are seeking a repeat title, must win to keep their season alive. Golden State, in its second season, would advance to the Finals with a victory after becoming the first expansion team in WNBA history to reach the playoffs in its inaugural season last year.