The Golden State Valkyries will try to eliminate the Dallas Wings in Game 3 of their WNBA playoff series Tuesday night, with Golden State holding home-court advantage after splitting the first two games.
The Wings forced the series to a third game behind a dominant performance from guard Arike Ogunbowale, who scored 45 points in 42 minutes during Dallas’s Game 2 win. Ogunbowale shot 52% from the field overall, 63% from three-point range, and nearly 90% from the free-throw line in that outing.
Dallas built its roster around young talent, including rookie Paige Bueckers, who is playing in her first career playoff games, and Azzi Fudd, who has missed most of the season with an injury. But it has been Ogunbowale carrying the offensive load so far in the series.
Golden State’s approach has been different, relying on depth rather than a single star. Forward Gabby Williams has been the Valkyries’ standout performer through two games, scoring 20 points in 27 minutes during Golden State’s Game 1 blowout win and following that with 36 points in 37 minutes in the Game 2 loss. Williams has also contributed on the boards and as a facilitator, and Golden State has four other players averaging more than 10 points per game.
Golden State went 17-5 at home during the regular season, while Dallas finished 11-11 on the road. Game 3 will be played on Golden State’s home floor, where the Valkyries will look to close out the series.
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