Williams scores 25 points as Valkyries beat Wings 91-80 for fourth straight win

The Golden State Valkyries extended their winning streak to four games with a 91-80 victory over the Dallas Wings on Wednesday night at San Francisco. Gabby Williams led the scoring with 25 points, while Kaitlyn Chen contributed 15 points off the bench in a matchup that featured former University of Connecticut teammates facing off. Chen, who shot 7 of 10 from the field, provided valuable insight to coach Natalie Nakase on her former college teammates Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd before the game.

Dallas started strong, shooting 11 of 17 in the first quarter to build a 26-17 lead, but a cold second quarter proved costly. The Wings managed just 2 of 15 shooting in the second quarter, including 1 of 6 from three-point range, falling behind 44-33 at halftime. Arike Ogunbowale led Dallas with 21 points, while Jessica Shepard contributed 14 points and 10 rebounds after a perfect 5-of-5 shooting night in the first quarter. Bueckers and Fudd, a first-year guard, both struggled offensively, with Bueckers shooting 5 of 13 for 15 points and 8 assists, and Fudd converting just 4 of 13 attempts for 10 points.

Golden State's bench was a major factor in the victory, combining for 43 points with contributions from Veronica Burton (11 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists), Janelle Salaun (12 points), Kayla Thornton (11 rebounds), and Tiffany Hayes (10 points). A notable moment occurred with 58.1 seconds remaining when Burton and Bueckers collided hard going for a loose ball but both were able to continue playing.

The result came one day after Dallas dominated the defending WNBA champion Las Vegas Aces 96-66, demonstrating the Wings' inconsistency. Fudd made her first professional visit to Chase Center, home of her friend Stephen Curry, who has supported her through rehabilitation from right knee surgery and whose brand she joined in November 2021.

Looking ahead, the Valkyries will host Minnesota on Friday night, while the Wings travel to Chicago on Saturday.