Valkyries are playoff bound again in 2nd year after beating Dallas 78-70 behind Williams’ 23 points

San Francisco (AP) — Gabby Williams scored 23 points and grabbed seven rebounds, while Veronica Burton added 16 points and five assists, as the Golden State Valkyries secured a playoff spot with a 78-70 victory over the Dallas Wings on Monday night. Williams' performance marked her sixth straight win for the team.

The Valkyries, led by a strong second quarter where they scored 11-0, won by a final score of 78-70. Golden State's win puts them in a prime position for the postseason, as they have already surpassed their win total from last season by two. This marks the first time an expansion franchise has reached the playoffs in its inaugural season.

Golden State, who fell to the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx by one point in their first-round match-up, returns to the postseason stage after their strong performance. Kiah Stokes returned from the concussion protocol and played 23 minutes in the game. The Valkyries have won 15 of their last 17 games, including a sellout crowd at Chase Center that included Warriors star Stephen Curry and his son.

The Valkyries began the second half on an 11-0 run, leading 44-28 at the break. Dallas opened strong with a 3-3 quarter, but the Valkyries answered with a buzzer-beating 3-pointer from Tiffany Hayes to close out the first quarter. Janelle Salaun contributed 10 points off the bench for the Valkyries, while Paige Bueckers scored 21 points for the Dallas Wings.