Valkyries make WNBA historical past with playoff debut

SAN FRANCISCO — The Golden State Valkyries grew to become the primary WNBA staff to achieve the playoffs in its inaugural season Thursday evening, with Janelle Salaun scoring 19 factors in an 84-80 comeback victory towards the Dallas Wings for Golden State’s fifth straight win.

The Valkyries, who improved to 23-18, additionally joined the Detroit Shock (1998) as the one two enlargement groups in WNBA historical past to complete with a .500 or higher report, based on ESPN Analysis.

“Let’s goooooo!” Salaun screamed into the microphone moments after the ultimate buzzer sounded as teammates pulled on black playoff T-shirts.

Veronica Burton’s three-point play with 22.3 seconds to go and 4 free throws over the ultimate 11.4 seconds helped seal it as she scored 15 factors. Carla Leite additionally added 15.

Monique Billings blocked a shot with 2:34 left to arrange Leite’s jumper moments later earlier than Dallas missed on the opposite finish.

Paige Bueckers transformed a three-point play with 3:34 remaining that put the Wings forward 74-72 earlier than the Valkyries got here up with the large performs.

Salaun hit 3-pointers with 8:31 and 6:32 left, after Kate Martin’s 3 with 2:15 to go within the third received Golden State going and again inside 58-52.

The Valkyries needed to discover a rhythm once more after lacking 12 of 13 pictures and committing 4 turnovers as Dallas ended the primary half on a 17-3 run for a 41-32 lead on the break.

Bueckers completed with 27 factors and 6 assists for the Wings, who misplaced their ninth straight and 14th of 15.

Along with her first basket — an 18-foot jumper on the 8:33 mark of the opening quarter — Bueckers handed Cappie Pondexter for fifth place on the all-time rookie factors checklist with 625.

Dallas began the sport with a 10-0 burst earlier than Golden State delivered a 19-6 run.

The Valkyries bought out for the twenty first time in as many house video games — and can go for an ideal run of sellouts Saturday when Minnesota visits Chase Heart.

The Related Press contributed to this report.