Full Breakdown
Valkyries Defeat Wings 94-76 in Dallas
8/8/2026, 10:58:59 AM
Core Game Summary
On Friday night at the American Airlines Center, the Golden State Valkyries (22-9) beat the Dallas Wings (19-13) 94-76. The Valkyries built a 44-36 halftime lead, opened the third quarter with a 10-2 run, recorded a franchise-high 27 assists and shot 35 % from three while converting 16 of 18 free throws. Dallas’ top scorer was rookie guard Paige Bueckers with 17 points; the team was missing first-overall pick Azzi Fudd, who was ruled out with right-knee soreness.
Recent Context for the Wings
The loss came during the most critical stretch of the Wings’ season after the All-Star break. In the 11 games since the break, Dallas has faced a winning opponent nine times and has lost its last four matchups against teams with winning records. Head coach Jose Fernandez emphasized that the team cannot rely on “excuses” and must improve its defense and free-throw shooting.
Key Performances & Statistics
- Golden State: Veronica Burton 22 points; Gabby Williams 19; Kayla Thornton double-double (11 points, 10 rebounds).
- Dallas: Paige Bueckers 17 points; Aziaha James 13; Alanna Smith 11. Jessica Shepard grabbed 11 rebounds. The Wings shot 34 % from the field and were out-rebounded in the paint, with Golden State scoring 38 points inside.
Injury Updates
- Azzi Fudd: Ruled out before tip-off with right-knee soreness.
- Alysha Clark: Listed as questionable with a back injury; reports conflict on whether she was ruled out.
Official Comments
“Common thread is we’re fouling too much. That’s number one. Teams are shooting way more free throws than we are. Right? Today is a little bit of a disparity, and we’re getting our [expletive] kicked on the glass,” — Jose Fernandez, Wings head coach.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Alysha Clark’s status for the Friday game. One outlet listed her as “questionable,” while another reported she was “ruled out.” No further clarification has been provided.
What’s Next
The Wings travel to Minneapolis on Sunday for a road game against the Minnesota Lynx, concluding a six-games-in-12-days stretch that began on July 29. The Valkyries will host the Phoenix Suns (renamed “Valkyries”) in San Francisco later this month.
