The Golden State Valkyries overcame a significant second-half deficit to defeat the Dallas Wings 77-73 on October 3, 2026, eliminating the Wings and securing their first-ever trip to the WNBA semifinals.
The Golden State Valkyries defeated the Dallas Wings 77-73 in Game 3 of their Western Conference Division series on October 3, 2026. The victory marked a historic milestone for the second-year franchise, advancing them to the WNBA semifinals for the first time in their history, while simultaneously ending the playoff run of the 27-17 Dallas Wings.
Golden State Valkyries Resilience
The Valkyries (32-12) demonstrated remarkable composure after facing a substantial challenge in the second half. Down by 16 points during the latter stages of the game, Golden State mounted a decisive comeback driven by intense defensive pressure and timely scoring. Gabby Williams emerged as the primary catalyst for the rally, finishing with a game-high 19 points. Crucially, Williams scored 11 of her total points after halftime, providing the offensive spark needed to overcome the deficit.
Williams’ performance was not limited to scoring; she played a pivotal two-way role that disrupted Dallas’s rhythm. Her ability to close out the game in the fourth quarter proved to be the difference-maker in a tightly contested affair. Teammate Veronica Burton orchestrated the offense effectively, recording 6 assists to facilitate the team’s late-game surge. On the glass, Kiah Stokes anchored the defense with a game-high 13 rebounds, ensuring that Dallas could not secure crucial second-chance opportunities during the critical closing minutes.
Coach Natalie Nakase, who has been managing health challenges on the sideline, guided her team through the adversity. Her strategic adjustments helped stabilize the Valkyries’ defense when it mattered most. This win solidifies Golden State’s position as a formidable contender in the Western Conference, setting up a semifinal matchup against the Las Vegas Aces, whom they faced in a separate series context earlier in the week.
Dallas Wings Offensive Power
The Dallas Wings (27-17), sitting 4th in the Western Conference Division, displayed individual brilliance but ultimately fell short due to roster depletion and late-game execution issues. Arike Ogunbowale led all scorers in the contest with 30 points, showcasing her capacity to carry the offensive load against high-level competition. Despite her strong showing, the Wings lacked the depth to sustain their lead against Golden State’s relentless comeback attempt.
Paige Bueckers contributed significantly to the Wings’ ball movement, dishing out 6 assists to keep the offense flowing throughout the majority of the game. In the frontcourt, Jessica Shepard controlled the paint with 12 rebounds, providing a stable presence inside. However, these individual efforts were insufficient to counteract the absence of key rotational players.
The Wings were severely hampered by injuries throughout this series. Four key players were listed as Out: Iliana Rupert, Alanna Smith, Azzi Fudd, and Costanza Verona. This significant reduction in available talent limited Dallas’s ability to match Golden State’s intensity down the stretch. The inability to hold off the Valkyries’ fourth-quarter surge resulted in an elimination from contention, marking the end of their season.
Turning Point
The decisive moment of the game occurred in the fourth quarter when the Valkyries erased a 16-point second-half deficit. Gabby Williams’ 11-point burst in this period shifted the momentum entirely toward Golden State. As Dallas struggled to answer back, Golden State’s defensive intensity forced turnovers and missed shots, allowing them to take control of the final minutes and secure the 77-73 victory.
What It Means
This result reshapes the landscape of the WNBA playoffs. The Golden State Valkyries advance to the semifinals, validating their rapid rise as a competitive force in the league. They will now face stiff competition as they look to build on this historic run. Meanwhile, the Dallas Wings must focus on offseason evaluations and addressing roster needs following their elimination.
- Historic Achievement: The Valkyries reach their first WNBA semifinals, establishing themselves as a new power in the Western Conference.
- Injury Impact: Dallas’s four-key-player injury list critically weakened their roster depth, contributing to their inability to close out the game.
- Star Performances: Arike Ogunbowale’s 30 points and Gabby Williams’ 19 points highlighted the elite talent present on both sides.
- Championship Odds: With the Aces returning to favorite status after other results, the path to the title remains highly competitive.
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