Valkyries Erase 16-Point Deficit, Eliminate Wings to Reach WNBA Semifinals

The Golden State Valkyries are moving on after the biggest comeback of their young playoff history. Golden State erased a 16-point second-half deficit to beat the Dallas Wings 77-73 in Friday night’s winner-take-all Game 3, clinching the franchise’s first playoff series victory and advancing to the WNBA semifinals.

Gabby Williams led the turnaround with 19 points, including 11 in the fourth quarter, while Tiffany Hayes scored 18 and Veronica Burton finished with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Dallas had ripped off a 20-0 run and appeared in control, but Golden State’s defense flipped the game late. Arike Ogunbowale scored 30 for the Wings, while Paige Bueckers finished with 17 as Dallas’ season ended one game after Ogunbowale’s playoff-record 45-point performance.

The win gives Golden State a new chapter beyond its expansion success: a postseason series win. The Valkyries now face the defending champion Las Vegas Aces in the semifinals beginning Sunday. Golden State lost all three regular-season meetings with Las Vegas, making the next challenge considerably tougher, but Friday’s comeback showed this group can survive when its season is on the line.