Paige Bueckers’ second WNBA season is over. The Golden State Valkyries erased a 16-point deficit to beat the Dallas Wings 77-73 in Game 3 of their first-round series Friday night at Chase Center, and Bueckers struggled to hold back her emotions afterward, per ClutchPoints.
Dallas led 53-37 early in the third quarter before the Valkyries clawed back, tied it at 65 and took over. Gabby Williams hit the go-ahead jumper with 1:17 left and closed it out at the line. Bueckers finished with 17 points, 6 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks, but shot 3-for-14 and didn’t score in the fourth. Arike Ogunbowale led Dallas with 30, two nights after a franchise-record 45 in Game 2.
The IAHHM Take
Don’t let one cold night write the story. The Wings went 27-17 this year after going 10-34 in 2025. That’s one of the biggest turnarounds in the league, and Bueckers was the reason. She averaged 20.9 points and 5.9 assists on 51.2% shooting and 41% from three.
Her coach said it best. “We only get to this point because of Paige,” Jose Fernandez said, per ClutchPoints. “She takes ownership in carrying the load. The great ones do.”
The tears tell you the rest. That’s a franchise player who expected to win, not just show up. Pair her with Ogunbowale and a full offseason, and Dallas should be dangerous in 2027.
And credit Golden State. A second-year franchise coming back from 16 down to win a Game 3 is a real moment for that fan base. For more playoff hoops, check out our recap of A’ja Wilson’s 36-point night against the Fever.
Is Bueckers already a top-five player in the W? Sound off.
Source: ClutchPoints
