The Golden State Valkyries visit the Dallas Wings at College Park Center on Wednesday, September 30, 2026. They hold a 1-0 lead in their opening-round WNBA playoff series. Tipoff is scheduled for 9:00 PM ET on national television. Golden State looks to secure a series sweep on the road and advance to the next round.
Golden State took complete control in Game 1 by outscoring Dallas 37-11 in the second quarter. They cruised to a 104-80 victory. This win marked the first postseason victory in franchise history. It was powered by a 50 percent shooting performance from beyond the arc. The Valkyries made 18 of 36 three-point attempts, matching their franchise high, while committing just four turnovers.
Balanced Scoring Propels Golden State in Game 1
The Valkyries displayed great offensive depth in their playoff debut. Cecilia Zandalasini led the Golden State attack with 22 points. She shot 7-for-11 from the field and made four three-pointers in less than 17 minutes. Tiffany Hayes provided a spark off the bench with 21 points, going a perfect 4-for-4 from deep. Gabby Williams contributed 20 points, four assists, and three rebounds. This balanced effort built a 27-point halftime lead.
Head coach Natalie Nakase praised her team’s execution on both ends of the floor. Efficient ball movement and strong defensive rotations kept the Wings off balance. Veronica Burton led the backcourt with five assists and 10 points. Kayla Thornton and Kiah Stokes also provided critical minutes on the boards and on defense.
Dallas Looks to Counter at Home
The Dallas Wings face elimination on their home floor after struggling to stop Golden State’s perimeter attack in Game 1. Led by rookie guard Paige Bueckers and WNBA triple-double leader Jessica Shepard, the Wings must find immediate answers for their defense and paint protection.
During the regular season, Dallas struggled to stop opposing shooters, and the Valkyries exploited this vulnerability. To force a decisive Game 3 back in California, the Wings need a sharper defensive effort and consistent offense to match Golden State’s pace.
Series Outlook and What Lies Ahead
With a 1-0 lead, the Valkyries are one win away from a playoff sweep. The coaching staff remains focused on maintaining intensity at College Park Center. A victory on Wednesday would send Golden State to the next round, where a potential matchup against the Las Vegas Aces awaits.
Game 2 Matchup Details
- Date: Wednesday, September 30, 2026
- Time: 9:00 PM ET
- Location: College Park Center, Arlington, TX
- TV/Broadcast: ESPN / National Television
As the Valkyries prepare for a hostile road environment, fans and analysts will watch to see if Golden State can keep up its historic shooting efficiency or if the Wings can defend their home court and extend the series.
