The Golden State Valkyries came into Dallas riding a wave of confidence, but they walked away grounded as the Wings snapped their seven-game skid with an 80–71 win on Monday night. It was Dallas’ first home victory of the season—and it came with a statement.
Paige Bueckers looked every bit the rising star the Wings had hoped for, pouring in 20 points with smooth efficiency and poise. Arike Ogunbowale added her signature flair—dropping 19 points, dishing 6 assists, and snagging 3 steals in a performance that reminded the league why she’s still the soul of Dallas’ backcourt.
For the Valkyries, who had clawed their way to a .500 record, the loss stung. Monique Billings stepped up with a season-high 18 points and 8 rebounds, and Kayla Thornton added 17 in her return to her hometown, but the effort felt outmatched by Dallas’ urgency.
“We were flat,” Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase said postgame. “For the first time, I’m disappointed in just how we fought.”
Golden State was battered on the boards, losing the rebounding battle 39–28. Even worse, they gave up 20 second-chance points—an uncharacteristic collapse for a team that’s built its identity on effort.
The Wings, meanwhile, showed what they’re capable of when their stars align. The chemistry between Bueckers and Ogunbowale was palpable, with both guards finding each other in rhythm and keeping Golden State’s defense on its heels. It was Bueckers’ first 20-point game as a pro—and maybe the first glimpse of a new era for Dallas.
Still, the game wasn’t out of reach until late in the fourth. Golden State had tied it at 70 with just over eight minutes to play. But from there, it was all Wings. A quick 10–1 run, sparked by Ogunbowale’s three and Bueckers’ pull-up jumper, iced the contest and sent the home crowd into rare celebration.
Golden State drops to 5–6 on the season and will look to regroup as they return home for a five-game stretch, starting with the Indiana Fever. Dallas improves to 2–11, but more importantly, finally tastes victory in front of their fans—a jolt of confidence for a team that’s been on the brink.
“This one matters,” Bueckers said. “We showed who we are tonight. And we’re just getting started.”
