Valkyries Clinch Playoff Spot Again, Beat Wings 78-70

Gabby Williams scored 23 points and grabbed seven rebounds, Veronica Burton added 16 points and five assists, and the Golden State Valkyries clinched a playoff berth by beating the Dallas Wings 78-70 on Monday night for their sixth straight win.

Golden State (25-9) has already surpassed last season's win total by two and will make a second straight postseason appearance after becoming the first expansion franchise to reach the playoffs in its inaugural 2025 season. The Valkyries lost to the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx by one point in Game 2 of their first-round series last year.

Center Kiah Stokes played 23 minutes in her return from the NBA's concussion protocol after missing last Wednesday's home win over Chicago.

Another sellout crowd at Chase Center cheered the Valkyries to their 15th win in the last 17 games, with Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry, his son Canon, and some Warriors teammates among the spectators.

Golden State pulled away in the second quarter after a slow start, closing the first half on an 11-0 run to take a 44-28 lead at the break. The Valkyries opened 3 for 13 from the field while Dallas made seven of its first 10 shots to lead 15-8.

Reserve guard Tiffany Hayes hit a buzzer-beating 3-pointer from just inside half court to end the first quarter, putting Golden State ahead 20-19. Hayes finished with 10 points and two 3-pointers as the Valkyries shot 12 for 36 from beyond the arc. Janelle Salaun also scored 10 points off the bench.

Paige Bueckers scored 21 points and led a late Dallas rally down the stretch. Arike Ogunbowale added 17 points, and Alanna Smith had 13 points and five rebounds for the Wings, who have lost five of their last six games.

The Wings host Indiana on Thursday night, while the Valkyries host Minnesota on Wednesday night.