In a historic night for Bay Area basketball, the Golden State Valkyries captured their first playoff triumph, beating the seventh‑seed Dallas Wings 104‑80 at Ballhalla. The win puts the Valkyries ahead in the best‑of‑three series, 1‑0, and showcases the depth of a team that has long been building toward this moment.
Tip Hayes ignites the comeback
When point guard Tiffany “Tip” Hayes entered the game late in the first quarter, the Valkyries were trailing by two points. Within 11 seconds of stepping onto the floor, Hayes delivered an assist that tied the score, then stole the ball from Dallas guard Paige Bueckers and drove for the go‑ahead basket, giving the home crowd a 14‑12 lead. Hayes had been on the court for just 28 seconds.
“You could tell the energy just shifted,” Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase said. “She’s hungry.”
Hayes continued to dominate the second quarter, scoring the Valkyries’ first five points of the period and adding 15 points in her first six minutes of play. She finished with 21 points, helping the team outscore Dallas 37‑11 in the quarter and take a 27‑point lead into halftime.
Team effort and fan support
Veteran forward Cecilia Zandalasini opened the scoring for Golden State and contributed 22 points, while the entire roster shot an impressive 50 percent from three‑point range. Teammate Gabby Williams praised Hayes, calling her “just unguardable” and “one of the all‑time greats in the league.”
“I pretty much go into the game feeling like I’m on,” Hayes told the team at practice on Saturday. “If I’m not, I’ll always find something I can do to help the team.” Her confidence translated into a performance that energized both her teammates and the crowd.
The fan base at Ballhalla was louder than usual, providing a palpable home‑court advantage. Dallas guard Paige Bueckers noted, “There’s not a silent voice in the crowd, so it’s tough to play here. It’s definitely their sixth man.”
Celebrity moments and community pride
Before tip‑off, retired soccer star Megan Rapinoe led the crowd in a chant for the Valkyries, while Bay Area rap legend Too $hort performed at halftime, delighting local fans. Williams, a longtime Too $hort admirer, shouted a playful call‑out into the microphone, “What’s my favorite word?!?” to a roaring audience.
These moments underscored the community’s pride in a team that finally broke through to the postseason. The victory not only marks a milestone for the franchise but also highlights the growing popularity of women’s basketball in the Bay Area.
Looking ahead
The Valkyries travel to Dallas for Game 2 on Wednesday at 6 p.m. Pacific. Coach Nakase remains focused, stating, “We’re already on to the next. We’re locked in.” The team hopes to build on its dominant performance and secure a series‑winning victory on the road.
For fans eager to follow the series, tickets and updates are available through the Valkyries’ official website and local ticket outlets.
Original reporting: Mission Local — read the source article.
