Valkyries Blast Past Wings in Record-Setting Playoff Opener
The Golden State Valkyries launched their playoff campaign with a dominant 104-80 victory over the Dallas Wings in Game 1, setting new franchise records for points and three-pointers. Their exceptional offensive performance was built upon disciplined play and a strong defensive foundation, giving them an early series lead.
The Golden State Valkyries opened their 2026 playoff campaign in emphatic fashion, beating the Dallas Wings 104-80 in Game 1 of their first-round series on Sunday.
It was the Valkyries' first playoff win in franchise history and their highest-scoring game since entering the WNBA. Their biggest weapon was the 3-point line, where they matched their franchise record with 18 threes, the second-most in a WNBA playoff game.
Golden State Breaks the Game Open
The first quarter was close, with Golden State leading 21-20 after 10 minutes. Then the game changed completely.
The Valkyries scored 37 points in the second quarter while holding Dallas to 11, taking a 58-31 lead into halftime. It was the highest-scoring quarter in franchise history and left the Wings struggling to keep up with Golden State's pace and ball movement.
Cecilia Zandalasini led Golden State with 22 points and four 3-pointers, while Tiffany Hayes added 21. Gabby Williams finished with 20 points, and Veronica Burton scored 10.
Golden State also spread the shooting around. Eight different players made at least one 3-pointer, while the team finished 18-for-36 from beyond the arc.
Bueckers Shines Despite Dallas Loss
Paige Bueckers gave Dallas something to build on in her first WNBA playoff game.
The rookie scored 21 points on 9-of-10 shooting, along with six rebounds and two assists. Her 90% shooting made it one of the most efficient playoff debut performances in WNBA history.
But Golden State made her work for almost everything. Dallas scored 80 points overall, shot 46.7% from the field and managed only six 3-pointers, compared with the Valkyries' 18.
That defensive pressure also helped Golden State run in transition and turn stops into quick scoring opportunities.
Dallas Now Faces Elimination
The Wings finished the regular season with a 27-17 record and won seven of their final eight games, but they now need a response at home.
Game 2 will be played in Dallas on Wednesday. Because this is a best-of-three series, another Golden State win would end the matchup, while a Dallas victory would force a deciding Game 3 back in San Francisco.
For Golden State, the opener was more than a playoff victory. The Valkyries showed how dangerous their defence, depth and 3-point shooting can be when everything clicks.