The Golden State Valkyries defeated the Dallas Wings in Game 1 of their WNBA playoff series at Chase Center, the team's arena nicknamed 'Ballhalla,' according to Yahoo Sports and The Athletic/The New York Times.
According to Yahoo Sports, the Valkyries started slowly, missing nine of their first 13 shots, while Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers began the game looking dominant. Yahoo Sports reported that Tiffany Hayes then entered the game for Golden State, helping turn the contest around.
The New York Times described the atmosphere at Chase Center as 'raucous,' crediting the crowd with helping the Valkyries secure an easy win in Game 1.
CBS Sports reported that the 2026 WNBA playoff bracket and schedule were set after the Valkyries rallied to secure the No. 2 seed, and that all four best-of-three first-round series were set to tip off on Sunday.
How each side covered it
Left
- The New York Times highlighted the 'raucous' crowd atmosphere at Chase Center, nicknamed 'Ballhalla.'
- The report framed the Valkyries' Game 1 win as an easy victory aided by fan energy.
“Raucous ‘Ballhalla’ helps Valkyries ease to Game 1 win” — The New York Times
Center
- Yahoo Sports reported the Valkyries started slowly, missing nine of their first 13 shots.
- Yahoo Sports noted Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers looked dominant early in the game.
- Yahoo Sports credited Tiffany Hayes' entry into the game with sparking Golden State's turnaround.
- CBS Sports reported on the finalized 2026 playoff bracket and schedule, noting the Valkyries secured the No. 2 seed.
“Golden State Valkyries look ready to contend after Game 1 blowout of Wings” — Yahoo Sports
Questions readers ask
What happened in the WNBA playoff game between the Valkyries and Wings?
The Golden State Valkyries defeated the Dallas Wings in Game 1 of their first-round WNBA playoff series at Chase Center, according to Yahoo Sports and The New York Times.
How did the Valkyries come back to win Game 1?
Yahoo Sports reported that after missing nine of their first 13 shots, the Valkyries turned the game around after Tiffany Hayes entered, overcoming an early strong start from Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers.
What is 'Ballhalla'?
Ballhalla is the nickname for the Golden State Valkyries' arena, Chase Center, referenced by The New York Times in describing the crowd atmosphere during Game 1.
What happens next in the WNBA playoffs?
According to CBS Sports, all four best-of-three first-round series were set to begin on Sunday after the Valkyries rallied to secure the No. 2 seed.
Sources · 4 outlet reports
- The New York TimesLeft-leaningWNBA playoff results, takeaways: Raucous ‘Ballhalla’ helps Valkyries ease to Game 1 win - The Athletic
- AxiosCenterA primer to the Dallas Wings' playoff run
- CBS SportsCenter2026 WNBA playoffs bracket, schedule: First-round matchups set after Valkyries rally for No. 2 seed
- Yahoo SportsCenterValkyries expect Wings to put up fight in first-round playoff series