ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 30: Tiffany Hayes #15 of the Golden State Valkyries drives to the basket during the game against the Dallas Wings during Round One Game Two of the 2026 WNBA Playoffs on September 30, 2026 at the College Park Center in Arlington, TX. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images)

Notebook from 108-100 loss at Dallas

ARLINGTON, TX — That was maybe the most un-Valkyries Valkyries game of all time. Golden State was making all the shots it had to be also gave up 45 points to Arike Ogunbowale in a career game and had its worst defensive outing of the season.

Now, the Valkyries will have to play a deciding Game 3 on Friday at Chase Center with their season on the line for the first time.

Apparently it was confusing on the broadcast, but there was a weird flagrant and tech situation at the end of overtime between Ogunbowale and Tiffany Hayes. Hayes knocked down Ogunbowale while vying for a rebound in what was a bad loose ball foul, and Ogunbowale shoved Hayes in the throat after. There was a long review that resulted in a technical foul on the Wings guard and a flagrant 1 on Hayes. She hit two free throws but the Valkyries never scored again after that. After the game, Ogunbowale said it was just “playoff basketball” and that the physicality happens.
Gabby Williams finished with team-highs of 36 points, six rebounds, seven assists and four steals. According to StatMuse, she became the first player in postseason history to post those numbers in a game.
Kaila Charles had a really nice game off the bench which included a run of seven points in 61 seconds to end the third quarter. She grabbed an offensive board to force free throws before a corner 3 off a pass from Kaitlyn Chen and then a transition buzzer-beating basket. She fouled out in overtime and the Valkyries missed her in that stretch.
Indiana and Las Vegas play a Game 3 on Thursday night and now that victor will be waiting to find out who they play on Sunday. If the Valkyries win, they’d host the winner, but if the Wings win, the Aces or Fever would take home court in a second round series.