Tuesday, 27 October 2026, 7:07
📌 The Golden State Valkyries have officially punched their ticket to the WNBA semifinals after overcoming a daunting second-half deficit against the Dallas Wings.
Played at Chase Center in San Francisco, the dramatic victory sets the stage for a highly anticipated matchup against the league's reigning champions.
The Valkyries faced a massive challenge when Dallas built a 16-point lead in the second half. Despite star power from Dallas' Arike Ogunbowale, who had been dominant throughout the series, Golden State found another gear when it mattered most.
Veronica Burton led the charge with 16 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists. Gabby Williams added 19 points, while Tiffany Hayes contributed 18 points, including a pivotal 13-point second quarter. Kaila Charles also proved vital with 10 points and six rebounds.
Those kinds of plays, that is why they are so important, said Hayes regarding the hustle plays that sealed the win.
The winning moment came down to pure grit. With just 13.1 seconds remaining, Williams secured a critical offensive rebound to keep possession inbounds, preserving the four-point victory.
Adding to the intensity of the night, Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase experienced a medical scare on the sideline. She fainted during a timeout with one minute and 40 seconds left in the game.
Nakase quickly recovered, drew up a final play, and successfully guided her team through the closing moments. Assistant Kasib Powell confirmed she was fine and handled postgame media duties.
This victory marks a significant milestone for professional basketball in California. As a second-year franchise, the Valkyries have already transformed Chase Center into a fortress for fans rooting for homegrown talent. The upcoming best-of-five semifinal series against the Las Vegas Aces begins on Sunday right here in San Francisco, promising to draw massive crowds to the Bay Area.
The core of this championship-contending roster is built on players who were previously overlooked or released by other teams. Hayes had retired two years prior, Charles was cut by Dallas earlier last season, and Burton was dropped by the Wings just two seasons ago. Even key starters like Kayla Thornton and Cecilia Zandalasini entered the league unprotected in the expansion draft.
This shared history of being undervalued has forged an unbreakable bond within the locker room, fueling their playoff run.
The Valkyries have proven they belong among the WNBA elite, securing their spot in the semifinals through sheer determination and teamwork. Fans across California can look forward to an exciting clash against the Las Vegas Aces this weekend. Stay tuned for full coverage of Game 1 on Sunday.
