OGUNBOWALE SETS WNBA PLAYOFF SCORING RECORD IN WINGS WIN

Arike Ogunbowale scored 45 points as the Dallas Wings beat the Golden State Valkyries 108-100 in overtime, setting a new record for the most points scored in a single WNBA playoff game, according to Yahoo Sports and EssentiallySports. The previous mark of 42 points had stood for 16 years, set by Angel McCoughtry and since matched but never beaten, by Breanna Stewart in 2022 and Napheesa Collier in 2024. Ogunbowale forced overtime with a three-pointer from the side with less than 10 seconds remaining in regulation, after the Wings had trailed 93-90, receiving the pass from team-mate Paige Bueckers. The WNBA's official account on X confirmed the free throw that pushed her past the previous record during the extra period. The result forced a deciding Game 3 in the series between the two teams, Yahoo Sports reported.

Ogunbowale finished the game with 45 points, seven rebounds and four assists, shooting 12 of 23 from the field and 5 of 8 from three-point range. "We wanted to come out with a different intensity," she said after the match. "I was going to shoot regardless." On the decisive possession, she was guarded by Gabby Williams, described by EssentiallySports as the 2026 FIBA World Cup's Best Defensive Player award winner. Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase said her side had anticipated the move. "We knew she liked the step-back left," Nakase said. "It's on the scouting report. That's on me. She did a hell of a job."

The win was Dallas' first over the Valkyries this season, according to EssentiallySports. The Valkyries had led by three points at the end of the first quarter before the Wings took the lead by half-time. Williams scored a career-high 36 points for the Valkyries in the defeat. The series now moves to a deciding Game 3, Yahoo Sports reported.