Ogunbowale scored a career-high 45 points, setting a new WNBA postseason single-game scoring record as Dallas levelled the first-round series at 1–1 on Wednesday night at College Park Center in Arlington, Texas. The victory sets up a decisive Game 3 in San Francisco on Friday.
The Dallas guard surpassed the previous playoff record of 42 points, which had been jointly held by Napheesa Collier, Breanna Stewart and Angel McCoughtry.
She finished with 45 points, seven rebounds, four assists and three steals, shooting 12 of 23 from the field, including five three-pointers, and converting 16 of 18 free throws.
Ogunbowale delivers when it matters most
The Wings faced the prospect of elimination after losing Game 1 by 104–80, but Ogunbowale responded with a decisive display in front of the home crowd.
Dallas trailed 93–90 in the closing seconds of regulation when Ogunbowale connected with a difficult three-pointer with just 4.1 seconds remaining, tying the score at 93–93 and forcing overtime.
She continued to dominate in the extra period, scoring 11 points, including a pair of crucial three-pointers that helped Dallas establish control. The Wings outscored Golden State 15–7 in overtime to seal the eight-point victory.
Clark and James provide valuable support
While Ogunbowale led the scoring, Alysha Clark and Aziaha James also made important contributions for Dallas.
Clark scored 21 points off the bench, matching her career high in the playoffs, while James added a playoff career-best 13 points.
Paige Bueckers finished with 10 points, four rebounds and four assists, although she struggled with her shooting, making just three of 13 attempts from the field.
For Golden State, Gabby Williams produced a career-high 36 points, alongside six rebounds, seven assists and four steals. However, her efforts were not enough to prevent the Valkyries from losing after overtime.
Kaila Charles scored 14 points, while Kayla Thornton contributed 13 points and six rebounds.
Decisive Game 3 awaits
The result means the first-round series will be decided in San Francisco on Friday, with the winner advancing to the WNBA semi-finals.
Golden State won the opening game by 24 points and will have home-court advantage for the deciding contest. Dallas, meanwhile, will look to build on Ogunbowale’s historic performance as it attempts to complete the comeback.
Match details
• Dallas Wings: 108
• Golden State Valkyries: 100
• Result: Dallas Wings won after overtime
• Top scorer: Arike Ogunbowale — 45 points
• Golden State top scorer: Gabby Williams — 36 points
• Series: Tied 1–1
• Next game: Game 3 — Friday, in San Francisco
• Competition: 2026 WNBA Playoffs, first round