Golden State Valkyries Rally From 16 Down to Win Playoffs

A first-year basketball team just proved that starting from scratch doesn't mean you can't compete with the best.

The Golden State Valkyries, playing their very first WNBA season, made league history Friday night by becoming the first expansion franchise to ever reach the playoffs in their debut year. Then they made even more history by winning their first playoff series with a stunning comeback against the Dallas Wings.

Down by 16 points, the Valkyries refused to give up. Forward Gabby Williams scored 19 points, with 17 coming after halftime, to fuel the 77-73 victory at San Francisco's Chase Center.

The dramatic finish came down to the final seconds. With just 13.1 seconds left and Golden State clinging to a one-point lead, Williams leaped back onto the court to grab her own missed shot. Officials initially gave Dallas the ball, but head coach Natalie Nakase challenged the call and won.

"We made a promise to ourselves we are going to play the best four quarters of our lives," Nakase told her team before tipoff. They delivered on that promise.

Veronica Burton added 16 points, 10 rebounds and six assists in the comeback win. Her layup with 8:19 remaining pulled Golden State within two points and sparked the rally that changed everything.

The Ripple Effect

The Valkyries have energized women's basketball beyond just winning games. They sold out every single home game during their first regular season, averaging more than 18,000 fans per contest and setting a new league attendance record.

Forbes valued the expansion franchise as the WNBA's most valuable team, a remarkable achievement before even playing their first season. Their success shows what happens when fans, players and community unite behind something new.

Dallas star Arike Ogunbowale fought hard with 30 points after scoring 45 in Game 2, but the Valkyries' collective effort proved stronger than individual brilliance.

Now Golden State faces the defending champion Las Vegas Aces in the semifinals starting Sunday, carrying the hope of an entire fanbase that believed in them from day one.