Gabby Williams scored 19 points and hit a crucial go-ahead jumper with just over a minute remaining, leading the Golden State Valkyries to a 77-73 victory over the Dallas Wings in the decisive Game 3 of their first-round WNBA playoff series on Sunday at Chase Center. The second-seeded Valkyries, who entered the league last season, secured their first-ever playoff series win after rallying from a 16-point deficit.
Golden State’s comeback was highlighted by Williams, who accounted for 17 of her points in the second half. She also played a key role in a late-game ruling when, with 13.1 seconds remaining and the Valkyries ahead by one, she saved a missed shot by leaping back inbounds to secure the rebound. The initial call awarded possession to Dallas, but Golden State head coach Natalie Nakase successfully challenged it, allowing her team to maintain control down the stretch.
Dallas guard Arike Ogunbowale led her team with 30 points on 11-of-21 shooting, following her 45-point performance in the Wings’ overtime victory earlier in the series. Paige Bueckers contributed 17 points and six assists but struggled with her shooting, making only three of 14 attempts from the field, though she was perfect at the free-throw line with 10 makes. Veronica Burton added 16 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists for the Valkyries, while Tiffany Hayes provided 18 points off the bench. Kiah Stokes also made a significant impact with 13 rebounds.
A concerning moment occurred late in the fourth quarter when coach Nakase collapsed to her knees near the team bench with about 1:40 left to play. She was assisted by athletic trainer Katelin Knox and was able to finish the game, but she left the court immediately after the final buzzer, accompanied by a staff member. The team later reported that Nakase was feeling fine, and assistant coach Kasib Powell addressed the media in her place. Powell said Nakase was in good spirits postgame, laughing and talking, and expected to be present for their next game on Sunday.
The Valkyries will now advance to the next round of the playoffs as they prepare for their upcoming matchup.