Valkyries' Explosive Offense Earns First Ever Playoff Win over Wings
WNBA Golden State Valkyries

Valkyries' Explosive Offense Earns First Ever Playoff Win over Wings

Published on September 28, 2026 under Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)
Golden State Valkyries News Release


The Golden State Valkyries' highest scoring game in franchise history propelled them to their first playoff win, defeating the Dallas Wings 104-80 at Chase Center on Sunday night. Eight different players connected from beyond the arc to tie the Valkyries all-time high of 18 3-pointers made in a game.

Cecilia Zandalasini, Tiffany Hayes and Gabby Williams all scored over 20 points with a total of five players reaching double figures. As a team, the Valkyries recorded their fewest turnovers this season with four.

HIGHEST SCORING QUARTER IN FRANCHISE HISTORY

After a back-and-forth first frame, the Valkyries held a one point advantage. Golden State wasted no time gaining momentum in the second quarter as they went on an unstoppable 37-11 scoring run to take a staggering 27 point lead at the half. This marks the highest scoring quarter in the Valkyries' franchise history and the first team since 2023 to score 37 points in a quarter during the postseason.

Cecilia Zandalasini led the way with 12 points and two of the team's six triples in the frame. Veronica Burton and Tiffany Hayes both drained a pair of 3-pointers to fuel the scoring run. On defense the Valkyries recorded three steals and forced six turnovers from the Wings while recording zero turnovers themselves.

POSTSEASON CAREER NIGHT FOR ZANDALASINI

Cecilia Zandalasini opened the game by hitting a clean jumper from the corner, marking the 12th time this season she's started the scoring in a game. Exploding in the second quarter, Zandalasini ended the first half shooting 6-for-9 from the field and setting a new career high of 17 points in a postseason game with plenty of game left.

Zandalasini finished with game-leading 22 points, four 3-pointers, and shot 7-for-11 from the field.

HAYES IMPACT OFF THE BENCH

Tiffany Hayes got off to a fast start as the first Valkyrie to reach double digits in scoring at the start of the second quarter. Showcasing a variety of shots in her register, Hayes knocked down two from beyond the arc, a driving layup and a pair of free throws in the first half.

Hayes ended the game with 21 points, shooting a perfect 4-4 from the 3-point line.

GUEYE'S FIRST POINTS

Starting the fourth quarter, Aminata Gueye tallied her first points as a Valkyrie from a tough play in the paint.Gueye tallied three rebounds and a pair of assists in 10 minutes played.

POSTSEASON MILESTONES

Tonight marks the first playoff win for the Valkyries in franchise history in just their third postseason game ever played. It also is the first time that a Valkyries playoff game was hosted at Chase Center, giving them true home court advantage with Ballhalla at their loudest. This victory gives them the 1-0 advantage in the three game series against the Wings.

UP NEXT

The Valkyries continue the first round series against the Dallas Wings when they play game two on Wednesday, Sept. 30 at College Park Center (6 p.m. ESPN).

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Women's National Basketball Association Stories from September 28, 2026


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