Valkyries rally from 16 down, seize 1st playoff series win

On October 2, 2026, the Golden State Valkyries overcame a 16-point deficit to defeat the Dallas Wings 77-73 in a thrilling Game 3, which marked the Valkyries' first playoff series victory in franchise history. Gabby Williams played a pivotal role, scoring 19 points and making a crucial go-ahead jump shot from 17 feet with 1:17 left in the game.

The intense matchup saw the Valkyries trailing significantly during the game, but they executed a remarkable comeback. A late replay review played a critical part in their victory. With only 13.1 seconds remaining and the Valkyries leading by a narrow margin, Williams retrieved her own missed shot after a call that initially favored Dallas was overturned following a successful challenge by Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase.

After the final buzzer, Nakase was escorted off the court due to the emotional strain of the match, visibly holding her face while her team celebrated at midcourt. Arike Ogunbowale was a standout for the Wings, finishing the game with 30 points, including an off-balance jumper that had given Dallas a five-point lead earlier in the fourth quarter.

The Valkyries had Carter helping them regain momentum, as Veronica Burton contributed significantly with 16 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists. A crucial layup by Burton with 8:19 remaining pulled the Valkyries closer at 61-59, and then Williams hit two late three-pointers that propelled Golden State into the semifinals.

Tiffany Hayes added 18 points off the bench for the Valkyries, and Kaila Charles managed to hit a tying three-pointer to keep the pressure on the Wings. The victory not only advanced the second-seeded Valkyries into the semifinals against the defending champions, the Las Vegas Aces, but it also marked their first playoff series win, following their historic entry to the playoffs as an expansion team in their inaugural season last year.

The Valkyries will face the Aces in Game 1 of the semifinals on Sunday, with a home crowd at Chase Center expected to provide an electric atmosphere.