Bueckers’ Masterpiece Wasted as Wings Fall to Valkyries
Golden State Valkyries Make History: New Team Clinches Playoff Spot in First Season!
What Happened on Monday Night?
The Golden State Valkyries did something amazing—they officially punched their ticket to the WNBA playoffs! On Monday night at Chase Center in San Francisco, they beat the Dallas Wings 78–70 for their sixth win in a row.
Big News Alert: This makes the Valkyries the first expansion team ever to reach the playoffs in their very first season (2025)!
Who Were the Stars of the Game?
Valkyries Leaders
- Gabby Williams — 23 points, 7 rebounds
- Veronica Burton — 16 points, 5 assists
- Tiffany Hayes — 10 points (including a crazy half-court buzzer-beater!)
- Janelle Salaun — 10 points off the bench
- Kiah Stokes — Returned from concussion protocol, played 23 minutes
Dallas Wings Top Scorers
- Paige Bueckers — 21 points
- Arike Ogunbowale — 17 points
- Alanna Smith — 13 points, 5 rebounds
How the Game Went Down: A Step-by-Step Breakdown
- Slow Start — Dallas jumped out early, making 7 of their first 10 shots. Valkyries started 3-for-13. Wings led 15–8.
- The Half-Court Miracle — With seconds left in Q1, Tiffany Hayes launched a shot from just inside half-court… SWISH! Valkyries took a 20–19 lead into the break.
- Second Quarter Takeover — Golden State went on an 11–0 run to close the half. They led 44–28 at halftime.
- Dallas Fights Back — Paige Bueckers kept the Wings close in the second half, but the Valkyries held on.
- Final Buzzer — 78–70, Valkyries win!
Why This Is a Huge Deal
Important Points to Remember:
- Record: 25–9 (already 2 more wins than all of last season!)
- Hot Streak: 15 wins in their last 17 games
- History Makers: First expansion team to make playoffs in Year 1
- Playoff Experience: Already played Minnesota Lynx in Round 1 (lost Game 2 by 1 point — so close!)
- Star Power in the Stands: Stephen Curry, his son Canon, and Warriors teammates cheering courtside
Fun Facts & Cool Stats
- Valkyries shot 12-for-36 from 3-point land (33%)
- Sellout crowd at Chase Center — again!
- Kiah Stokes back healthy after missing the Chicago game
- Dallas has now lost 5 of their last 6 games
Summary
The Golden State Valkyries are officially playoff-bound in their very first season! Behind huge games from Gabby Williams and Veronica Burton — plus a legendary half-court shot from Tiffany Hayes — they dominated the second half to beat Dallas 78–70. With a 25–9 record, a 6-game win streak, and the loudest fans in the league (including Steph Curry!), this expansion team isn’t just making history… they’re just getting started.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
What is an "expansion team"?
A brand-new team added to the league. The Valkyries started playing in 2025.
How rare is it for a new team to make the playoffs right away?
Never happened before! The Valkyries are the first in WNBA history.
Who is Gabby Williams?
A super-talented forward who dropped 23 points and 7 rebounds in this game. She’s a major reason they’re winning.
What’s next for the Valkyries?
They’ll play in the WNBA playoffs! Their first-round matchup against the Minnesota Lynx was super close (lost Game 2 by 1 point).
Can I watch their games?
Yes! They play at Chase Center in San Francisco, and games are on national TV and streaming. Tickets sell out fast!