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Wings vs Valkyries Game 3 arrives with a place in the WNBA semifinals on the line after one of the most dramatic first-round games of the 2026 playoffs. Dallas forced a decisive matchup by defeating Golden State 108-100 in overtime Wednesday night, evening the series at 1-1.
The teams meet Friday at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN2, returning to San Francisco for a contest expected to feature intense defense, a roaring crowd and another test of playoff composure. The Golden State Valkyries are seeking the first postseason series victory in franchise history, while the Dallas Wings are chasing their first semifinal appearance since 2023.
Historic Scoring Sets Up Wings vs Valkyries Game 3
Game 2 belonged to Arike Ogunbowale, who delivered a record-setting performance for Dallas. The Wings guard scored 45 points, the most ever in a WNBA playoff game, while playing 42 minutes. She shot 12-for-23 from the field, connected on five of eight three-point attempts and scored 11 points during overtime.
Her performance rescued Dallas after the Wings fell behind in the series. Ogunbowale also made several difficult shots late in regulation and overtime, repeatedly answering Golden State’s defensive pressure when the game appeared ready to swing either way.
Still, Dallas cannot expect another individual scoring explosion to be enough. Ogunbowale averaged 15.3 points during the regular season and scored only 10 points in Game 1. The Wings will need a more balanced attack in the deciding matchup.
- Alysha Clark scored 21 points off the Dallas bench in Game 2.
- Aziaha James contributed 13 points.
- Paige Bueckers was held to 10 points, well below her regular-season average.
- Jessica Shepard and Maddy Siegrist combined for only six points.
Golden State Valkyries Look to Reclaim Their Defensive Identity
Golden State’s most important adjustment is likely to be defensive. The Valkyries allowed Dallas to score 108 points, their highest total surrendered all season, and gave Ogunbowale 18 free-throw attempts. She converted 16 of them.
Gabby Williams produced a career-high 36 points for Golden State, but she made clear that the offensive shootout did not represent the team’s preferred style. “That’s not us,” Williams said, emphasizing that the Valkyries want to win through stops rather than trading baskets.
Golden State also watched a strong late-game effort from Dallas undermine the defense that powered its regular-season success. The Valkyries tied a franchise record with 18 three-pointers in Game 1, but their priority in Game 3 will be controlling tempo, contesting shots and forcing Dallas into difficult possessions.
Can Chase Center Create Another Turning Point?
Home court could become the deciding factor in the Wings vs Valkyries matchup. Golden State finished the regular season with a league-best 17-5 home record, while Dallas lost all three of its games at Chase Center this season. The San Francisco arena has also led the WNBA in attendance for two consecutive years, regularly drawing crowds of more than 18,000.
The Valkyries have embraced several nicknames for their home environment, including “Ballhalla” and “Valcatraz.” Whatever fans call it, the atmosphere has become a major part of the team’s identity. Golden State coach Natalie Nakase has often highlighted the energy created by supporters, and the crowd is expected to be especially loud for the franchise’s first home playoff game at Chase Center.
Dallas, however, has already shown it can handle pressure. The Wings overcame a historic scoring night from Williams, a hostile environment in Game 2 and overtime tension to keep their season alive. Paige Bueckers and the rest of the starting lineup will need to provide more offensive support if Dallas hopes to silence the crowd.
What to Watch in the Decisive Playoff Battle
The key question is whether Ogunbowale can remain efficient while Golden State focuses defensive attention on her. If the Valkyries limit her free throws and force the Wings’ secondary scorers to create, the home team could regain control.
For Dallas, the formula is clear: receive stronger production from Bueckers, Shepard and Siegrist, protect the ball and prevent Golden State from establishing its defensive rhythm. The winner will advance to the semifinals, while the loser will see an unexpectedly thrilling playoff run come to an end.
FAQs About Wings vs Valkyries
When is Wings vs Valkyries Game 3?
Game 3 is scheduled for Friday at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN2.
What happened in Game 2?
Dallas defeated Golden State 108-100 in overtime, tying the first-round series at 1-1.
Who scored the most points in Game 2?
Dallas guard Arike Ogunbowale scored a WNBA playoff-record 45 points.
Why is Game 3 important?
The winner advances to the WNBA semifinals, while the losing team is eliminated.
Where will the deciding game be played?
Game 3 will be played at Chase Center in San Francisco, the home arena of the Golden State Valkyries.
