Arike Ogunbowale set a WNBA playoff record with 45 points, including a crucial 3-pointer in the closing moments of regulation. Her performance led the Dallas Wings to a 108-100 overtime win against the Golden State Valkyries. This victory extended their first-round series to a deciding Game 3.
Ogunbowale opened the overtime with a banked 3-pointer and added another to secure the lead at 103-100 with 1:46 left. Her previous playoff best was 24 points. A dramatic corner 3-pointer by Ogunbowale tied the game at 93 with just 4.1 seconds remaining in regulation. Following a Golden State timeout, Gabby Williams was initially called for an offensive foul on the inbound pass. However, after review, the call was reversed, leading to a jump ball at center court with 3 seconds left. With no clear possession, Golden State’s last-second attempt missed as time expired.
The decisive Game 3 is scheduled for Friday night in San Francisco. The Valkyries, in only their second season, won the series opener by 24 points and are eager for their first playoff advancement. The game’s end overshadowed a challenging night for Dallas star Paige Bueckers, who scored 10 points on 3-of-13 shooting in her playoff debut. Bueckers, the top pick in 2025 and the reigning Rookie of the Year, found it difficult to find her rhythm.
Gabby Williams shone with a career-high 36 points but struggled in overtime, missing all six attempts in the final 1:31. She finished 12 of 23 overall. Alysha Clark matched her playoff best with 21 points, providing crucial support for the Wings.
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