Brief
Golden State Valkyries rally from 16 points to beat Dallas Wings and reach WNBA semifinals
Gabby Williams' 19 points and a late challenge helped the Valkyries secure a 77‑73 win over Dallas on Oct. 2, 2026.
By Felo News Desk · Published
The Golden State Valkyries rallied from a 16‑point hole to defeat the Dallas Wings 77‑73 in Game 3 of the first‑round series on Oct. 2, 2026, clinching the franchise’s first playoff series victory and a spot in the WNBA semifinals.
What happened
Dallas opened a 16‑point lead early in the second quarter. Valkyries guard Veronica Burton sparked the comeback with a layup that cut the margin to 61‑59 with 8:19 left. Forward Gabby Williams scored 19 points, including two late three‑pointers, and added the decisive play with 13.1 seconds remaining when she secured an inbound after a challenged call. The Valkyries held a one‑point lead and survived a final Dallas jumper to finish 77‑73.
What the reports add
Fox News noted that the Valkyries’ second season has already produced historic milestones: a Forbes‑valued franchise, a league‑record average attendance of over 18,000 per game, and the first expansion team to make the playoffs in its debut year (2025). The outlet also highlighted that the win sends Golden State to face defending champion Las Vegas Aces in the semifinals.
What was said
Coach Natalie Nakase, who fell to her knees after the final buzzer, was escorted off the court, but the outlet did not quote her directly. No player quotations were provided in the report.
How it came about
The Valkyries entered the 2026 playoffs as the No. 2 seed after a strong regular season, building on a 2025 inaugural‑year playoff run that made them the first expansion franchise to qualify in its first season. Their surge this year follows a league‑wide expansion to a 30‑year milestone season and a record‑setting attendance trend.
Key facts
- Golden State Valkyries erased a 16‑point deficit to beat Dallas Wings 77‑73. (foxnews.com)
- Gabby Williams scored 19 points, including the decisive play with 13.1 seconds left. (foxnews.com)
- The win secured the Valkyries' first playoff series victory and a semifinal berth. (foxnews.com)
- Coach Natalie Nakase was escorted off the court after the final buzzer. (foxnews.com)
- The Valkyries were valued as the league's highest by Forbes ahead of the 30th season. (foxnews.com)
Sources
- [1] foxnews.com — originally reported as “Golden State Valkyries erase 16-point deficit, stun Dallas Wings to reach WNBA semifinals”
