The Golden State Valkyries defeated the Dallas Wings 104-80 in Game 1 of their playoff series Sunday, with Cecilia Zandalasini leading all scorers with 22 points at Chase Center. Golden State used a 37-point second quarter and 18 made 3-pointers to establish a 1-0 series lead.

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

First Quarter: Valkyries edge Wings, 21-20

Dallas stayed within one point after the opening 10 minutes, trailing 21-20. The Wings kept the game close early, but Golden State was positioned to take control with its perimeter shooting and ball movement.

Second Quarter: Golden State creates separation

The decisive stretch came in the second quarter, when the Valkyries outscored Dallas 37-11. Golden State took a 58-31 lead into halftime, turning a one-point first-quarter margin into a 27-point advantage.

Third Quarter: Teams trade 20-point quarters

Dallas improved offensively after halftime, but Golden State matched it with 27 points in the third quarter. The Wings scored 25 in the period, yet the Valkyries maintained their sizable lead and entered the fourth ahead 85-56.

Fourth Quarter: Dallas closes stronger, Golden State closes out

The Wings won the fourth quarter 24-19, but the margin built before halftime gave Golden State room to manage the final period. The Valkyries finished with a 104-80 victory without needing overtime.

Key Performers

Cecilia Zandalasini led Golden State and all scorers with 22 points. Tiffany Hayes added 21 points, while Kiah Stokes paced the Valkyries with eight rebounds. Veronica Burton handed out a team-high five assists as Golden State recorded 22 assists overall.

For Dallas, Paige Bueckers scored 21 points and led the Wings with six rebounds. Odyssey Sims contributed a game-high seven assists, helping Dallas produce 19 assists as a team.

NerdSports Stat: Golden State made 18 three-pointers to Dallas’ six, creating a 36-point advantage from beyond the arc alone—12 points larger than the Valkyries’ 24-point final margin.

Game Analysis

Golden State’s second-quarter execution determined the result. The Valkyries shot 48.6% from the field and 50.0% from three-point range, converting 18 of 36 attempts from deep. Dallas shot a respectable 46.7% overall and made 18 free throws, but its 6-for-20 three-point shooting left it unable to keep pace with Golden State’s perimeter production.

The Valkyries also held a 33-30 rebounding edge and generated three more assists than the Wings, 22-19. Those margins were modest, but Golden State’s shot profile made the difference: it attempted 16 more threes and made 12 more. Zandalasini and Hayes gave the home team two 20-point scorers, providing consistent scoring around a balanced offensive effort.

What the Result Means

Golden State, which finished the regular season 32-12, now leads the best-of-three first-round playoff series 1-0. Dallas, a 27-17 regular-season team, will look to even the series in Game 2 after seeing its fourth-quarter response come too late to alter the Game 1 outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who won the Golden State Valkyries vs Dallas Wings game on September 27, 2026?

Golden State Valkyries defeated Dallas Wings 104-80 on September 27, 2026.

How many points did Cecilia Zandalasini score?

Cecilia Zandalasini scored 22 points; her individual shooting percentage was not provided in the available box score.

What are Golden State Valkyries’ standings after this game?

After the win, Golden State sits 32-12 in the regular-season standings and leads the playoff series 1-0.

Who was the best player in the game?

Cecilia Zandalasini was the standout performer with a game-high 22 points.