Dallas Wings Edged Narrowly by Golden State Valkyries, 84-80

Paige Bueckers (No. 5) of the Dallas Wings nearly pulled off a road victory against the Golden State Valkyries at Chase Center on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025. (Photo: Dallas Wings Basketball)

SAN FRANCISCO — The Dallas Wings battled through a tense, back-and-forth matchup against the Golden State Valkyries on Thursday night at Chase Center, ultimately falling 84-80 in a contest that underscored the Wings’ competitive fire, balanced scoring, and resilience against one of the league’s top defenses. With the victory, the Valkyries clinched their first-ever playoff berth and became the first expansion team in league history to reach the postseason in their inaugural season at 23-18, while Dallas fell to 9-33.

From the opening tip, Dallas attacked aggressively and pushed the pace. Myisha Hines-Allen grabbed an early defensive rebound before Maddy Siegrist connected on a 25-foot three-pointer off an assist from Paige Bueckers, putting the Wings ahead 3-0. Hines-Allen’s presence on the boards continued with multiple defensive rebounds, while Grace Berger made an immediate impact with a block on Iliana Rupert, helping Dallas maintain momentum. Bueckers herself added a running 17-foot pullup jumper to extend the Wings’ advantage to 7-0.

Golden State responded with strategic adjustments, calling an early timeout to regroup. Despite that, Haley Jones converted a 24-foot jump bank shot assisted by Hines-Allen, pushing Dallas’ lead to 10-0. The Valkyries struck back through Veronica Burton’s layup, but Dallas’ execution remained steady.

Hines-Allen continued to be a focal point, hitting a 5-foot layup off a Bueckers assist to give Dallas a 14-6 lead. Substitutions provided opportunities for Diamond Miller, Aziaha James and Amy Okonkwo, yet the Wings’ defensive energy and ball movement kept the first quarter competitive, ending slightly behind at 20-21.

Bueckers and Siegrist orchestrated early offensive bursts, combining timely jumpers with assists. Siegrist hit a two-point jumper assisted by James, while Bueckers contributed a pullup jump shot and collected key rebounds. Offensive rebounds and put-back opportunities kept Dallas in striking distance, while Bueckers’ court vision fueled the Wings’ transition game. Hines-Allen’s versatility in scoring and converting free throws sustained Dallas’ pressure, illustrating the team’s balanced approach.

As the second quarter unfolded, Dallas leaned on its dynamic backcourt and versatile frontcourt. Hines-Allen continued scoring near the rim and drew fouls to maintain pressure. Jones and Bueckers created space for one another, with Jones converting layups and free throws to keep the Wings close.

Turnovers by Golden State allowed Bueckers and Siegrist to generate transition points. Siegrist’s three-point attempts and Berger’s defensive stops highlighted Dallas’ multifaceted game plan. By halftime, the Wings trailed 41-32, a combination of missed chances and timely Valkyries scoring.

The third quarter began with Dallas reasserting urgency. Bueckers re-entered the lineup alongside Jones and Hines-Allen, immediately contributing on both ends. Consecutive pullup jump shots from Bueckers, including a 15-foot step-back assisted by Hines-Allen, showcased her adaptability against Golden State’s aggressive defense. Jones attacked the rim efficiently, collecting rebounds, while Hines-Allen remained a stabilizing force. Golden State kept pace, but the Wings maintained a close margin, entering the final quarter trailing 62-58.

In the fourth quarter, Dallas’ resilience and unselfishness came to the forefront. Bueckers orchestrated the offense, connecting on pullup jump shots, driving layups, and timely free throws while distributing effectively. Siegrist hit crucial three-pointers and two-point jumpers, Jones attacked the basket with controlled aggression, and Hines-Allen produced offensive rebounds and put-back points. The Wings forced turnovers and exploited defensive lapses, tying the game at multiple points.

Late in the contest, Dallas remained within striking distance at 76-79 before Bueckers converted a driving layup assisted by Jones, narrowing the deficit to 78-80. Even with relentless effort, Golden State extended the lead through free throws and layups, ultimately claiming the 84-80 win. Bueckers finished with contributions across scoring, assists, and rebounds, while four Wings starters reached double figures, emphasizing the team’s balanced offensive output. Dallas also recorded 21 assists, reflecting their commitment to team-oriented play despite the loss.

Reflecting on the game, Bueckers highlighted the team’s perseverance.

Paige Bueckers (No. 5) tallied a game-high 27 points for the Dallas Wings against the Golden State Valkyries at Chase Center on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025. (Photo: Dallas Wings Basketball)

“Yeah, it was just… that’s what we want to show every night: fight,” Bueckers said. “Regardless of who we have, what our record is, we’re not focused on that. We’re focused on preparation, making sure that we’re ready to go and play. Whoever steps out there, that’s what we’re going to war with. So to be able to have that fight every single night, that’s what we want to be known for and what we want our identity to be.

“Adjusting from last game, they were really aggressive, got out in red, and hedged a lot, tried to get the ball out of my hands. So knowing that, embracing it, playing to my teammates, and getting out in transition, sometimes you might have to take tougher shots in isolation. It’s a mixture of all those things.”

Head coach Chris Koclanes praised the team’s balance and unselfish approach.

“Love the balance and love the unselfishness of this group,” Koclanes said. “It starts with P, right? She’s not going to take very many bad shots. We need her to at times. But she’s the first one to get off it and kick that ball out to an open teammate. The future is bright. Foundation is being laid, and we’ve got a tremendous group of women in that locker room that are staying together.”

Individually, Hines-Allen provided a versatile presence, combining scoring, rebounding, and defensive impact. Siegrist’s three-point shooting offered consistent spacing, while Jones’ rim activity created high-percentage scoring chances. Bueckers served as the linchpin, generating offense, initiating the transition game, and distributing to teammates in key moments. Dallas’ bench contributed meaningfully, with Miller, James, and Okonkwo providing energy and allowing the starters to remain aggressive.

Golden State relied on Carla Leite, Monique Billings, and Rupert, who produced points in the paint and beyond the arc. The Valkyries capitalized on Dallas’ occasional defensive lapses and converted free throws at crucial junctures, a factor in the final margin. Nevertheless, the Wings stayed competitive, demonstrating growth and potential in close games.

Dallas’ statistical balance stood out. The Wings converted 30 of 71 field-goal attempts and 15 of 20 free throws while securing 31 rebounds. Four starters, Bueckers, Jones, Hines-Allen, and Siegrist, scored in double figures, underscoring the diversified scoring attack. Golden State finished 29 of 65 from the field and 19 of 23 from the free-throw line, with 38 rebounds, illustrating the contest’s physicality and board battles.

Though the defeat was narrow, it reinforced Dallas’ identity as a team willing to fight through adversity. Bueckers’ leadership, Koclanes’ emphasis on ball movement, and the contributions of a versatile roster reflected a Wings squad capable of competing with any WNBA opponent. The game highlighted areas for improvement, particularly late-game turnovers and defensive assignments in critical moments.

Looking ahead, Dallas aims to rebound in upcoming matchups, applying lessons learned from this close loss. The young core of Bueckers, Hines-Allen, Siegrist, and Jones has shown it can respond to challenges and maintain composure under pressure. With continued focus on preparation, teamwork, and execution, the Wings are positioned to build momentum as the season progresses.

For Dallas, the matchup against Golden State reaffirmed that their competitive spirit, balanced scoring, and defensive tenacity form the foundation of the team’s identity. While the scoreboard reflected a narrow defeat, the effort displayed across all four quarters highlighted resilience, unselfishness, and potential in a squad committed to growing together and fighting every night.

Next Flight

Dallas heads to Crypto.com Arena for their fourth and final matchup against the Los Angeles Sparks on Sunday at 5 p.m. CT/3 p.m. PT. On their most recent trip to Los Angeles, the Wings narrowly lost to the Sparks, 81-80, on a night when Paige Bueckers scored 44 points.

Dallas Wings: By the Numbers

Haley Jones (No. 30) of the Dallas Wings returned to the starting five with a strong 18 point effort against the Golden State Valkyries. (Photo: Dallas Wings Basketball)

Golden State Valkyries: By the Numbers