Golden State Valkyries Comeback To Eliminate Dallas Wings and Win First Playoff Series in Franchise History

The Golden State Valkyries completed one of the biggest comebacks in their young franchise history Friday night, rallying from a 16-point deficit to defeat the Dallas Wings 77-73 in a dramatic winner-take-all Game 3 at Chase Center. The victory gave Golden State its first playoff series victory in franchise history and sent the second-seeded Valkyries into the WNBA semifinals, where they will face the defending champion Las Vegas Aces. Golden State trailed by 16 in the third quarter before its defense completely changed the game, turning stops into transition opportunities and eventually taking control of the fourth quarter.

Gabby Williams became the catalyst for the comeback, scoring 19 points and hitting the go-ahead 17-foot jumper with 1:17 remaining to put Golden State ahead 73-72. Veronica Burton was just as important, finishing with 16 points, 10 rebounds and six assists while repeatedly attacking the Dallas defense and helping fuel the Valkyries' 40-point second half. Tiffany Hayes added 18 points off the bench, while Kiah Stokes pulled down 13 rebounds. Williams scored all but two of her points after halftime, and her late scoring paired with Burton's all-around performance allowed Golden State to overcome a Dallas team that had controlled much of the game.

Dallas appeared to have seized control after opening the second half with a 9-0 run that extended its lead to 16 points. Arike Ogunbowale, who had just scored a WNBA playoff-record 45 points in Game 2, continued her scoring attack and finished with 30 points on 11-of-21 shooting. Paige Bueckers added 17 points and six assists but shot just 3-of-14 from the field. The Wings also received a strong first half from Ogunbowale and went on a 20-0 run spanning the second and third quarters, but Golden State's defensive pressure eventually forced Dallas into difficult possessions. The Wings did not make a field goal after Ogunbowale's floater put them ahead 72-67 with 3:13 remaining. 

The closing sequence provided the defining moment of Golden State's historic night. With the Valkyries holding a 73-72 lead, Williams made the key jumper with 1:17 remaining. Dallas answered with a go-ahead basket to take a 74-73 advantage, but Golden State responded again and survived a frantic final possession after Nakase successfully challenged a ruling with 13.1 seconds remaining. Williams was able to get back inbounds and secure possession, preserving the Valkyries' one-point edge before Golden State finished the game at the free-throw line. Head coach Natalie Nakase had challenged her team before the game after the Valkyries surrendered 108 points in Game 2, telling them, “We made a promise to ourselves we are going to play the best four quarters of our lives.” They ultimately delivered the defensive performance needed to keep their season alive and make franchise history.