Gabby Williams posted 25 points, 11 rebounds and five assists as the Golden State Valkyries beat the Las Vegas Aces 71-60 in Game 1 of the WNBA semifinals Sunday. Valkyries owner Joe Lacob praised her afterward.

"Print this: Gabby Williams is the best player in the world," said Lacob.

Williams scored or assisted on 36 of Golden State's points at Chase Center. She was just as effective on defense, holding the Aces to 4-of-14 shooting as the primary defender.

Williams became the second player with a 25-10-5 playoff game against Las Vegas and the first in Valkyries history.

Golden State controlled the glass, outrebounding Las Vegas 52-25. That margin ranks as the second-largest in WNBA playoff history. The Valkyries also held the Aces to a season-low point total.

Las Vegas rallied from an 11-point deficit. However, the Aces never pulled within five points down the stretch.

"All we talked about the last 48 hours was rebounding and blocking them out, and we did not do that," said Becky Hammon. "Period. The good news is, we played like ass and only lost by 10."

A'ja Wilson led the Aces with 24 points on 8-of-21 shooting. She also made 8 of 11 free throws. Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young added 25 points combined.

Williams joined Golden State in the offseason and finished second in Defensive Player of the Year voting. Her 25-point playoff average ranks third this postseason, trailing only Wilson and Arike Ogunbowale.