The Golden State Valkyries overcame a 16-point deficit to defeat the Dallas Wings 77-73 on Friday at Chase Center, winning their first-round series 2-1 and advancing to the WNBA semifinals in their second franchise season.
Golden State advanced past the first round for the first time in franchise history by outlasting Dallas in a winner-take-all Game 3 on Friday, October 2, 2026. The No. 2-seeded Valkyries rallied from a double-digit second-half hole at Chase Center in San Francisco to secure the series victory. The triumph sets up a best-of-five semifinal series against the defending champion Las Vegas Aces, with Game 1 scheduled for Sunday at home.
How Golden State Overcame a 16-Point Deficit Against Dallas
Friday’s decisive game carried heavy pressure after the Dallas Wings forced a third game behind Arike Ogunbowale’s historic 45-point performance in an overtime victory on Wednesday. In the finale, Dallas controlled the tempo early, closing the first half on an 11-4 run to take a 44-37 halftime lead. The Wings extended their surge into the third quarter, building a 16-point advantage before Golden State started chipping away.
After the Wings went on a 9-0 run to open the second half and built their largest lead, Golden State responded with a 14-4 surge over the final 4:54 of the third period to cut the deficit to five points entering the fourth. The 16-point rally ties the fifth-largest comeback in a winner-take-all contest in WNBA playoff history.
Gabby Williams anchored the Valkyries’ offense with a team-high 19 points, supplementing her career-high 36 points from Game 2. Tiffany Hayes contributed 18 points, and Veronica Burton added 16. A late fourth-quarter sequence featuring a bucket and crucial free throws from Williams secured the 77-73 decision, overcoming a game-high 30 points from Ogunbowale and 17 points from Paige Bueckers.
“I think they went the extra inch, and that’s what got them the win,” Ogunbowale said.
Arike Ogunbowale, via Dallas News
What the Victory Means for the Valkyries and the Aces
The Valkyries now stand as the highest remaining seed in the bracket and continue a rapid ascent. Last year, Golden State became the first WNBA expansion team to reach the playoffs in its inaugural season. This year, they are the first team in league history to make the postseason in each of their first two campaigns.
That defensive identity will face a stern test against the Aces’ veteran core.
Season Summary and Final Standings for the Dallas Wings
For Dallas, the loss marks a painful end to a dramatic turnaround under first-year coach Jose Fernandez. After finishing with a 10-34 record in 2025 following a lottery finish the year prior, the Wings compiled a 27-17 record in 2026 and made the playoffs for the first time since 2023.
The team battled through significant late-season injuries, playing without interior defender Alanna Smith and perimeter defender Azzi Fudd, the 2026 No. 1 overall pick. Despite the playoff exit, Fernandez expressed pride in his roster’s resilience.
“For this group to come in here and do what they did and still continue to fight and prepare and believe and play for one another — I’m extremely proud of that,” Fernandez said.
Jose Fernandez, via Dallas News
Semifinal Schedule at Chase Center
Golden State hosts the Las Vegas Aces for Game 1 of the semifinals on Sunday, October 4, at 1 p.m. at Chase Center in San Francisco, with tickets available through the team’s official schedule page.
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