Golden State Valkyries’ Tiffany Hayes (15) celebrates a 3-point basket by Golden State Valkyries’ Veronica Burton (22) against the Dallas Wings in the second quarter at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, Aug. 17, 2026. (Photot credits to Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

By Michael Villanueva

SAN FRANCISCO – The Golden State Valkyries started the week off with a win, and clinched their spot in the playoffs for the second time in the team’s second year in the WNBA. On Monday night, the Valkyries knew that with a win tonight, they could clinch a spot for the postseason, and they did. The team hosted and defeated the Dallas Wings in front of another sellout crowd with the final score of 78-70. The Valkyries are also now on a 6-game winning streak that will slowly secure their spot for the second seed in the playoff bracket.

The Dallas Wings came into this game holding on to the last spot of the playoffs, and trying to get as many wins as they can so they can hold on to it. However, Dallas just came back from a loss while on the first stop of their two-game road trip back in Indiana, and is so far 10-9 on the road. Also, in their last 10 games, they have gone 3-7. So they started guards Paige Bueckers, Arike Ogunbowale, forwards Jessica Shepard, Alysha Clark, and center Alanna Smith.

Valkyries have been shocking the league and showing the WNBA world that they are ready and want to play in the postseason. Golden State was on a 5-game winning streak, now on a 6-game winning streak, and have gone 8-2 in their last 10 games. They also hold the second-place seed in the WNBA. So they went with guards Veronica Burton, Gabby Williams, forwards Kayla Thornton, Cecilia Zandalasini, and center Kiah Stokes.

The game would get going with some hot shooting from both teams. This game has so much meaning for both of these teams’ playoff hopes, so the Valkyries and Wings were locked in. Wings Alanna Smith and Valkyries Kayla Thornton start it off with 3-pointers for each other. After that, Dallas and Golden State’s defense picked up. However, Golden State would end the first on a 12-4 scoring run, and hold a 1-point lead at the end. That 1-point lead would come from Valkyries’ Tiffany Hayes by hitting a deep 3-pointer (33-foot) for Golden State.

In the 2nd quarter, the Valkyries and Wings didn’t slow down on their defensive plan. Both teams were starting to make every shot more difficult and contested each other. Especially Golden State started to take advantage of Dallas turnovers by stealing their passes and making it difficult for Dallas to spread the ball. With that, the Valkyries were able to find some momentum and go on an 11-2 scoring run halfway through the 2nd quarter.

At halftime, Golden State would extend their lead to 16 points over Dallas with the score at 44-28. Dallas’s second quarter performance was very poor, and they were able to score only 9-points in the second alone. While Golden State would go on and drop 24 points altogether, the Valkyries had already made eight 3-pointers so far.

At the start of the 3rd quarter, Dallas would come in with some energy, especially from Wings Alysha Clark, who would make a 25-foot three pointer jumper. After that, the Wings found a little offensive rhythm and would get the lead to 10-points from Golden State, 39-49. Then shortly, the Wings were able to cut it as low as 8 points, 46-54.

Though the Valkyries were not gonna let up, and kept giving the Wings no more optimism. Golden State would hit some tough shots and not slow down on their drives to the paint on transition breaks. At the start of the 4th quarter, the lead would jump to its largest of the night for Golden State with a 18-point lead over Dallas, 46-64.

All of the 4th quarter was Dallas’ last efforts to try and come back and win this game. The Wings would drop 24 points in the 4th, but it still wasn’t enough. Valkyries guard Gabby Williams would lead Golden State to a win with her 23 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists. She got lots of help from her teammate Veronica Burton, who would drop 16 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 steals. Golden State has now gone 3-0 in the season series against Dallas.

Golden State will get a short rest, but have some comfort in their mind knowing they have clinched a spot in the postseason. The Valkyries return to Ballhalla on Wednesday, August 19th, to host the 1st place team in the WNBA, the Minnesota Lynx. The Lynx are coming off a win just two days ago against the Las Vegas Aces, 92-87. The game will be broadcast live on USA Network at 7 p.m.