Ogunbowale Sets WNBA Playoff Record With 45 Points as Wings Force Game 3

Arike Ogunbowale scored a WNBA playoff-record 45 points to lead the Dallas Wings to a 108-100 overtime victory over the Golden State Valkyries on Wednesday night in Arlington. The win forces a deciding Game 3 on Friday in San Francisco after Golden State won the opener by 24 points.

Ogunbowale shot 12-of-23 from the field, 5-of-8 from three-point range, and 16-of-18 on free throws while adding seven rebounds and four assists. She surpassed the previous playoff scoring record of 42 points and hit the game-tying corner three-pointer with seconds left in regulation.

“We're not here to trade baskets with people; we're a defensive team.”

Paige Bueckers struggled to 3-for-13 shooting but assisted on Ogunbowale's tying shot and the go-ahead three to open overtime. Dallas trailed by three late in the fourth quarter before Ogunbowale's heroics extended their season.

Golden State's Gabby Williams scored a career-high and franchise-record 36 points in the loss. Williams said the team's defensive identity was compromised, stating they are not built to trade baskets and surrendering 108 points was unacceptable.

The Valkyries are seeking their first playoff series win in franchise history. The Wings are attempting to reach the semifinals for the second time since relocating to Dallas in 2016.