Home / Sports / Ogunbowale's historic 45 points forces Game 3!
Ogunbowale's historic 45 points forces Game 3!
2 Oct
Summary
- Arike Ogunbowale set a WNBA playoff record with 45 points.
- Atlanta Dream advanced to semifinals for first time since 2018.
- Washington Mystics struggled with 19 turnovers in Game 2 loss.
The WNBA playoffs delivered high drama as the Atlanta Dream swept the Washington Mystics 93-75 on September 30, securing a semifinal berth for the first time since 2018. The Dream, who had been eliminated in the first round for the previous three seasons, showcased improved maturity in closing out games.
Arike Ogunbowale etched her name in the record books with a career-high 45 points in the Dallas Wings' 108-100 overtime win against the No. 2 seed Golden State Valkyries on September 30. Her record-setting performance included a one-legged tying three-pointer at the end of regulation and a crucial late three-pointer in overtime, keeping the Wings' playoff hopes alive and forcing a winner-take-all Game 3.
The Washington Mystics, despite a strong performance from Sonia Citron, succumbed to 19 turnovers in their Game 2 loss, a recurring issue that contributed to their elimination. Mystics center Shakira Austin, recently overlooked for Most Improved Player, had a quiet nine points and only three rebounds, a performance she will want to forget.
Meanwhile, Gabby Williams of the Golden State Valkyries scored a career-high 36 points, but it was overshadowed by Ogunbowale's historic night and the Valkyries' defense allowing a season-high 108 points. The Valkyries now face a Game 3 after their defensive struggles were exposed.
