The Golden State Valkyries have reached unprecedented success in their second season both on and off the court. The WNBA expansion team was recently valued as the highest in the league by Forbes, coinciding with the WNBA’s 30th season.
In 2025, the Valkyries achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first expansion franchise in WNBA history to reach the playoffs in their inaugural season. They managed to sell out every regular-season home game and set a new league attendance record with over 18,000 fans per game on average. On Friday night, they continued their outstanding performance by defeating the Dallas Wings in Game 3, securing their first playoff series victory.
Valkyries forward Gabby Williams played a crucial role, scoring 19 points as the team rallied from a 16-point deficit to win 77-73 against Dallas in a tense, winner-takes-all Game 3.
Williams was pivotal in the game’s closing moments. With 13.1 seconds left and holding a one-point advantage, she regained possession by securing her own rebound after a missed shot, leading to a successful challenge by coach Natalie Nakase on a critical call. Nakase’s emotional reaction was evident as she needed assistance leaving the court after celebrating with her team.
For the Dallas Wings, Arike Ogunbowale was impressive, recording 30 points, including a key jumper with just over three minutes left that initially gave Dallas a five-point lead. This followed her 45-point showing in a previous game leading to Dallas’s overtime victory.
In the second half, Gabby Williams contributed 17 of her 19 points. Veronica Burton also had a notable performance, with 16 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists, helping the Valkyries secure a spot in the semifinals against the defending champions, the Las Vegas Aces.
The decisive Game 3 also saw significant contributions from Tiffany Hayes, who scored 18 points off the bench. Kaila Charles and Kiah Stokes were also influential, with Charles hitting a crucial tying three-pointer and Stokes securing 13 rebounds.
Paige Bueckers had 17 points and six assists for Dallas but struggled with shooting accuracy, though she was perfect from the free-throw line.
Before the game, coach Nakase motivated the Valkyries to deliver an unmatched performance, urging them to commit to playing the best basketball of their lives.
Now looking ahead, the Valkyries are set to face the Las Vegas Aces in the semifinals on Sunday. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Dream will compete against the New York Liberty in the other semifinal.