Golden State Valkyries rally past Dallas to reach first WNBA semifinals
The No. 2 Golden State Valkyries erased a 16-point deficit to beat the No. 7 Dallas Wings 77-73, advancing to their inaugural semifinals where they will face the Las Vegas Aces.
Golden State rallied from a 16-point hole in the third quarter to defeat Dallas 77-73 on Friday at the Chase Center, securing the franchise's first appearance in the WNBA semifinals. The Valkyries will open the best-of-five series against the No. 3 Las Vegas Aces, the defending champions, on Sunday.
Dallas built a 16-point lead midway through the third period, but Golden State responded with a 14-4 run in the final minutes of the quarter, cutting the deficit to five points. Guard Gabby Williams, who scored 19 points, hit two key three-pointers during the comeback and added decisive plays in the fourth quarter. Teammates Tiffany Hayes contributed 18 points and Veronica Burton added 16.
The comeback ties the fifth-largest rally in a winner-take-all WNBA playoff game and matches the Aces' own 16-point comeback in the 2020 semifinals. Golden State's defense, which allows a league-low 75.1 points per game, has been a cornerstone of its success this season.
Dallas' season ends with the loss, but the Wings have shown progress after years at the bottom of the standings, highlighted by recent high draft picks and veteran additions.
"Our defense is the identity of this team," a Valkyries spokesperson said, noting that the squad relies on stopping opponents to win games.