LAS VEGAS — The Golden State Valkyries are headed to the WNBA Finals after defeating the Las Vegas Aces 87-77 in overtime Friday night and completing a three-game sweep of the defending champions. Kayla Thornton led Golden State with 18 points, while Gabby Williams scored 16, including eight in overtime. The Valkyries outscored Las Vegas 16-6 in the extra period to secure the win and become the fastest expansion team to reach the league finals. Golden State, the No. 2 seed, will have home-court advantage against No. 4 Atlanta. The Dream swept New York on Friday, and the best-of-five Finals are scheduled to begin Oct. 17. Teams that take a 2-0 lead in a playoff series have won all 22 times in WNBA history, according to the game report. The Valkyries’ run continues a rapid rise: in their first season, they became the first expansion franchise to reach the playoffs. Williams said the team’s confidence came from relying on one another amid doubts from outside the group. “All we need is each other,” she said. The game turned late after Las Vegas had built a six-point advantage. Williams stripped the ball from Aces star A’ja Wilson, and Thornton finished a fast-break layup to tie the score at 69 with 1:50 left. Veronica Burton’s floater put Golden State ahead, but Jackie Young tied it for Las Vegas with 27 seconds remaining to force overtime. The series had a personal connection for several Valkyries. Golden State coach Natalie Nakase previously worked as an assistant with the Aces, and Valkyries players Kiah Stokes and Tiffany Hayes also played for Las Vegas. Stokes and Hayes each scored 11 points; Stokes added 10 rebounds. Wilson, recognized before the game for winning a record fifth MVP award, scored 21 points and collected 10 rebounds for Las Vegas, but made 6 of 19 shots. Young scored 18, and Chelsea Gray had 17. The sweep was the first in the playoffs for an Aces team coached by Becky Hammon. Wilson said the franchise’s championship expectations remain high, while emphasizing its past impact on the league.