The Golden State Valkyries took on the Dallas Wings at Chase Center on Monday, and a very special guest was in attendance for the contest. Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry made the trip to “Ballhalla” and witnessed the Valkyries clinch a playoff spot with a 78-70 win over the Wings.
Curry also got to see a “Curry special,” as Valkyries guard Tiffany Hayes connected on a buzzer-beater from just inside half-court at the end of the first quarter. To say that shot had the 12-time All-Star all hyped up would be an understatement.
.@tiphayes3 saw 30 in the building and pulled up from the logo. 🤯🤯🤯
cc @warriors @StephenCurry30 pic.twitter.com/qxXzJ0EKK5
— Golden State Valkyries (@valkyries) August 18, 2026
Fans at Chase Center have seen Curry make that shot so many times over the years. It was in some ways fitting that Hayes made it with him in attendance.
Curry wasn’t the only Warrior at the game. You could see Gary Payton II next to him being just as amazed by Hayes’ shot. Will Richard and Moses Moody were present as well, and you’d imagine they had similar reactions.
Hayes, who finished the night with 10 points (4-11 FG), four rebounds, one assist, and one steal, has actually really struggled from three this season. The 36-year-old is at 29.0% from beyond the arc after shooting over 40.0% in four of the last five seasons.
The Valkyries would be hoping Hayes rediscovers her shooting stroke in time for the playoffs. Speaking of the postseason, it is quite impressive how they have already booked their spot.
Gabby Williams led the way against the Wings with 23 points (8-20 FG), seven rebounds, three assists, and four steals, as the Valkyries improved to 25-9. They have further strengthened their grip on the No. 2 seed and are 3.0 games behind the 29-7 Minnesota Lynx. They are within touching distance.
The Valkyries, who are now on a six-game win streak, face the Lynx on Wednesday and then again on Monday. Those clashes could end up determining who gets the No. 1 seed.
For a franchise to even be in this position in its second season is remarkable. The Valkyries are actually the first expansion team in WNBA history to make the playoffs in each of their first two seasons. They deserve all the praise in the world.
While the Valkyries are flying high, the Warriors are very much groundbound. They finished with a poor 37-45 record last season and haven’t made any additions in free agency or via trades.
That led to chatter about Curry’s future, but Warriors owner Joe Lacob has made it clear that the 38-year-old is very happy and isn’t going anywhere. Lacob expects him to sign an extension this summer, and he’ll be eligible for a two-year, $136.7 million deal with the Warriors on Aug. 29.
Curry averaged 26.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 1.1 steals, and 0.4 blocks per game for the Warriors in 2025-26. He is still great, but the same cannot be said about his team.
