The Golden State Valkyries can close out the Dallas Wings in Game 3 of their first-round WNBA playoff series on Friday night at Chase Center, where the expansion franchise posted a 17-5 record during the regular season. Dallas, which forced a decisive game with a historic offensive performance in Game 2, was 11-11 on the road.
The Valkyries lead the best-of-three series 2-1 after a blowout win in Game 1 and a road loss in Game 2. Golden State's depth has been its defining trait all season, with five players averaging double figures in the series. But the postseason often demands a singular scorer, and Gabby Williams has filled that role. She scored 20 points in 27 minutes in the opener, then poured in 36 points in 37 minutes in Game 2, adding rebounds and facilitation even as Dallas evened the series.
Dallas has leaned on Arike Ogunbowale, whose 45-point outburst in Game 2 extended the series. She shot 52% from the field, 63% from three-point range and nearly 90% from the free-throw line in 42 minutes, carrying an offense that also features rookie sensation Paige Bueckers. Bueckers, in her first playoff appearance, is expected to take on a larger scoring role in Game 3. Azzi Fudd, the Wings' other young star, has been sidelined for most of the season with an injury.
The series is part of a chaotic opening round across the WNBA playoffs. The Las Vegas Aces eliminated the Indiana Fever in Game 3, while the New York Liberty and Atlanta Dream each swept their series. The Liberty knocked out the top overall seed from the regular season, leaving the Valkyries as one of the remaining top seeds still alive.
Golden State's challenge is balancing its balanced attack with the need for a closer. Williams has been that player, but Dallas now has two perimeter threats in Bueckers and Ogunbowale who can take over a game. The Valkyries' defense, which keyed their Game 1 rout, will need to contain both without sacrificing the rebounding and ball movement that have made them effective.
Home court could be decisive. Golden State's 17-5 home mark was among the league's best, and the Chase Center crowd is expected to provide an early lift. Dallas, meanwhile, has been a.500 team away from home, though its Game 2 win showed the Wings can win in a hostile environment when Ogunbowale is rolling.
The game tips off Friday night, with the winner advancing to the next round. For the Valkyries, the goal is simple: avoid a collapse and close out a series they have largely controlled. For the Wings, the task is to steal one more road game and complete an upset that would cap a turbulent season defined by high draft picks and injuries.