The Golden State Valkyries secured their first playoff victory in franchise history with a 104-80 win over the Dallas Wings at Chase Center on September 27, 2026. The Valkyries set a team record by making 18 three-pointers, tying their all-time single-game high and shooting 50 percent from beyond the arc, a season best.
Historic Second Quarter Builds Commanding Lead
The Valkyries scored 37 points in the second quarter, the highest scoring quarter in franchise history and the first WNBA team to reach that total in a postseason quarter since 2023. During the quarter, Golden State forced six turnovers from Dallas while committing none themselves, establishing a 27-point lead at halftime.
Cecilia Zandalasini’s Postseason Career-High
Cecilia Zandalasini led Golden State with a postseason career-high 22 points, including four three-pointers, shooting 7-for-11 from the field. Her performance was historic as she became the first player in WNBA playoff history to score 20 or more points in under 17 minutes played.
Bench Contributions and Balanced Offense
Tiffany Hayes added 21 points off the bench, connecting on a perfect 4-for-4 from three-point range while also contributing four assists and two steals. Gabby Williams scored 20 points, tying her playoff career high and adding four assists, three rebounds and a steal. Eight different Valkyries made three-pointers, reflecting a well-rounded offensive attack.
Defensive Prowess and Efficient Play
Golden State committed only four turnovers, the fewest in a game this season, while Kiah Stokes led defensively with eight rebounds and a block. The team’s disciplined play and shooting efficiency overwhelmed the Wings.
Vibrant Home Crowd and Series Status
The matchup drew a sellout crowd of 18,064, marking the Valkyries’ 46th consecutive sellout. Dallas guard Paige Bueckers praised the atmosphere, noting the team’s supportive fan base and loud home court. The win gave Golden State a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three playoff series, with the next game scheduled for September 30 at College Park Center.
CSB Take
Golden State Valkyries’ first playoff victory is a significant milestone that showcases the team’s evolution and postseason potential. Their record-tying three-point shooting and active defense exemplify a complete team effort capable of forcing turnovers and building leads. This performance sets a strong foundation for the remainder of the series and establishes the Valkyries as a serious contender in the postseason.
Source: Original report
