Story perspectives

Golden State Completes 16-Point Do-Or-Die Comeback Win

By Drooid · Oct 3, 2026, 11:16 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Coach Natalie Nakase collapsed during Game 3 but remained on the bench and continued coaching.
Golden State erased a 16-point third-quarter deficit, achieving the fifth-largest do-or-die comeback.
The Valkyries defeated Dallas 77-73, securing their first playoff series victory.
Nakase’s successful out-of-bounds challenge with 13 seconds left preserved a one-point lead.
Veronica Burton recorded the franchise’s first playoff double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds.

History

Historical Context

In 1997 the Houston Comets captured the WNBA’s first championship, beating the New York Liberty 65-51 behind Finals MVP Cynthia Cooper. Their early dominance set a precedent for dramatic playoff turnarounds that the league’s newest franchise, the Golden State Valkyries, invoked in a 2025 comeback after the Valkyries entered as the 13th team.

1 of 2

Story summary

Coach Natalie Nakase collapsed during Game 3 but remained on the bench and continued coaching.
Golden State erased a 16-point third-quarter deficit, achieving the fifth-largest do-or-die comeback.
The Valkyries defeated Dallas 77-73, securing their first playoff series victory.
Nakase’s successful out-of-bounds challenge with 13 seconds left preserved a one-point lead.
Veronica Burton recorded the franchise’s first playoff double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds.

1 / 2