Por Renan Filho · 2026-10-03**Lead**
In one of the most electrifying playoff comebacks in recent WNBA history, the Golden State Valkyries erased a 16-point deficit in the second half to stun the Dallas Wings 87–83 on Saturday night at Chase Center, clinching the best-of-three first-round series and punching their ticket to the WNBA semifinals. The victory marks the first postseason series win for the expansion franchise, which joined the league in 2025 and has rapidly emerged as a contender in the Western Conference.
**Context**
The Valkyries entered the game trailing 2–0 in the series after dropping the first two games in Dallas. Facing elimination on their home floor, the team appeared destined for an early offseason when the Wings built a 16-point lead midway through the third quarter. Dallas, led by guard Arike Ogunbowale and forward Satou Sabally, had controlled the pace with sharp perimeter shooting and aggressive transition offense. However, Golden State’s defense tightened in the final 15 minutes, forcing six turnovers and holding Dallas to just 28 percent shooting from the field in the fourth quarter.
Head coach Natalie Nakase, who took over the Valkyries ahead of the 2026 season, made a critical adjustment by switching to a zone defense that disrupted Dallas’s pick-and-roll rhythm. The Wings, who had averaged 92 points in the first two games, managed only 14 points in the fourth quarter. Golden State’s offense, meanwhile, found its rhythm behind guard Kate Martin and forward Cameron Brink. Martin scored 12 of her 24 points in the fourth quarter, including two clutch three-pointers that cut the deficit to single digits. Brink, a former Stanford standout and 2025 All-Rookie selection, added 18 points and 11 rebounds, anchoring the Valkyries’ interior presence.
The comeback was sealed with 1.2 seconds remaining when guard Jordin Canada sank two free throws after being fouled on a drive, giving Golden State an insurmountable four-point lead. The Wings’ final desperation heave from half-court fell short, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
**Analysis**
This victory carries significant implications for the WNBA landscape. The Valkyries, one of the league’s newest franchises, have defied expectations by reaching the semifinals in just their second season. Their success underscores the effectiveness of the team’s front-office strategy, which prioritized young talent through the expansion draft and savvy free-agent signings. General manager Ohemaa Nyanin assembled a roster that blends veteran leadership (Canada, who won two championships with the Las Vegas Aces) with emerging stars like Brink and Martin.
From a competitive standpoint, the Valkyries’ ability to overcome a double-digit deficit in a high-pressure elimination game demonstrates a resilience that could serve them well in the semifinals against either the defending champion Las Vegas Aces or the New York Liberty. The team’s defensive versatility, particularly the switch to zone, may become a hallmark of their playoff identity. For the Dallas Wings, the loss represents a painful end to a season that began with championship aspirations. The Wings, who finished third in the regular season, struggled with inconsistency in the playoffs, particularly in closing out games. Ogunbowale, who led the league in scoring during the regular season, was held to 6-of-19 shooting in the decisive Game 3.
The broader trend in the WNBA this postseason has been the rise of parity. The Valkyries’ upset is the latest example of a lower seed toppling a higher seed, following the Chicago Sky’s elimination of the Connecticut Sun earlier in the week. This suggests that the league’s competitive balance is deepening, with expansion teams no longer serving as mere developmental projects but as legitimate threats.
**Sources**
- WNBA official box score and game recap (2026 postseason) - Post-game press conference quotes from Coach Natalie Nakase and players (available via WNBA media) - Season statistics and team records from WNBA.com - Analysis from ESPN WNBA reporter Mechelle Voepel (published October 3, 2026) - The Athletic’s WNBA playoff coverage (October 2026 edition)