Arike Ogunbowale delivered one of the most remarkable performances in WNBA playoff history on Wednesday night, scoring a playoff-record 45 points to lead the Dallas Wings to a 108–100 overtime victory over the Golden State Valkyries. The result kept Dallas alive in the postseason and forced a decisive Game 3 in the first-round series.
The Wings entered the game facing elimination after losing the opening game of the series. With their season on the line, Dallas needed a major response, and Ogunbowale provided exactly that. The guard repeatedly took responsibility during the most important moments, eventually finishing with 45 points, seven rebounds and five three-pointers on 12-of-23 shooting.
The game appeared to be slipping away from Dallas late in regulation. The Wings were trailing 93–90 with only seconds remaining when Ogunbowale received the ball and created enough space to attempt a difficult three-point shot. She converted the shot to tie the game and send the contest into overtime.
That moment completely changed the atmosphere. Dallas carried the momentum into the extra period, while Ogunbowale continued attacking. She scored 11 of Dallas’ 15 overtime points, repeatedly finding ways to create scoring opportunities against the Golden State defense.
The Valkyries also had an outstanding individual performance. Gabby Williams scored a career-high 36 points, but Golden State struggled to contain Dallas during the final stages of the game. The Valkyries had built a reputation during the season for their defensive strength, but Dallas managed to generate more space and consistently find its biggest offensive weapon.
Alysha Clark also played an important role for Dallas, contributing 21 points. Paige Bueckers, another major part of the Wings’ lineup, was held to 10 points, meaning the team needed other players to step forward. Ogunbowale responded by producing a performance that will become one of the defining moments of the 2026 WNBA postseason.
The victory also highlighted the importance of experience in high-pressure situations. Ogunbowale has developed a reputation for taking difficult shots late in games, and Wednesday’s performance added another major chapter to that reputation.
The series is now tied 1–1, with the deciding Game 3 scheduled to take place in San Francisco on October 2. Both teams will enter the final game knowing that one victory will determine who advances.
For Dallas, the biggest question will be whether Ogunbowale can produce another major performance while the rest of the roster contributes consistently. For Golden State, the focus will be on limiting Dallas’ late-game opportunities and returning to the defensive identity that helped the team throughout the season.
Whatever happens in Game 3, Ogunbowale’s 45-point performance has already become a major part of WNBA playoff history.
