The Dallas Wings lost in the do-or-die Game 3 of their first-round playoff series against the Golden State Valkyries. Despite leading by as many as 16 points, Paige Bueckers and company couldn’t overcome a balanced Golden State squad.
Four players scored in double digits for the Valkyries, led by All-Star guard Gabby Williams, who had 19 points. Tiffany Hayes added 18 points off the bench, while Veronica Burton had 16 points, 10 rebounds and six assists.
The Wings were too reliant on their trio of Bueckers, Arike Ogunbowale and Jessica Shepard, who combined for 59 of their 73 points. Dallas’ bench unit scored only eight points, paling in comparison to Golden State’s 31 points from its second unit.
Making matters worse for the Wings, one of their players was assessed a flagrant foul in the contest, a violation that is punishable by a fine from the WNBA.
Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Midway through the second quarter of the contest, Odyssey Sims tried to block Cecilia Zandalasini’s 3-pointer. However, the referees hit the one-time All-Star with a Flagrant 1 foul following a review of the play, as her defense was considered a reckless closeout.
Zandalasini proceeded to make all three of her free throws, helping the Valkyries cut the Wings’ lead to 26-22 with 6:36 remaining in the quarter.
As a result of her Flagrant 1 foul, Sims is now due to pay a $500 fine to the WNBA. The league’s rules state that every flagrant point carries a $500 punishment, with a Flagrant 1 foul accounting for one flagrant point.
Ultimately, it’s a disappointing way to end the postseason for Sims and the Wings.
