Arike Ogunbowale scores playoff record 45 points as Dallas Wings force Game 3
Dallas guard Arike Ogunbowale set a WNBA playoff record with 45 points, leading the Wings to a 108-100 overtime win over the Golden State Valkyries and extending the series to a decisive third game.
Dallas Wings guard Arike Ogunbowale erupted for a WNBA playoff-record 45 points on Wednesday night, helping her team defeat the Golden State Valkyries 108-100 in overtime and push the series to a deciding Game 3. Ogunbowale, who previously held the record with 41 points, took over the offensive load after a 24-point loss in Game 1, when teammate Paige Bueckers scored 21 points but the Wings were out-scored. In the second game, Dallas relied heavily on Ogunbowale, using off-ball screens and isolations to create scoring opportunities. She drew 18 free-throw attempts and converted 16, and hit several clutch three-pointers, including a go-ahead shot with 4.1 seconds left that sent the game to overtime. The Wings also benefited from a career-high 36 points by Gabby Williams, while the Valkyries struggled to maintain their usual offensive rhythm in the second half and overtime. The victory forces the series to a third game, with the Wings looking to build on Ogunbowale's dominant performance.
"We knew we had to get the ball to Arike and let her attack," a Wings spokesperson said.
The Valkyries, who lead the league in defensive coordination, will need to adjust their half-court strategy, which has relied heavily on three-point shooting, as they prepare for the next matchup.