Dallas Wings, featuring Laksa, eliminated from WNBA playoffs
The Dallas Wings, with Latvian player Kitija Laksa on the roster, lost their decisive playoff game to the Golden State Valkyries on Friday and were eliminated from the WNBA postseason. Laksa did not take the court.
Latvian basketball player Kitija Laksa did not play on Friday as the Dallas Wings lost their decisive playoff game, ending the team's WNBA postseason run.
The Wings fell on the road to the Golden State Valkyries 73-77, losing the best-of-three series 1-2.
Game recap
Dallas led for most of the contest, at one point building a 16-point advantage. However, the opponents rallied in the closing stages and took over the lead to secure the win.
Arike Ogunbowale led the visitors with 30 points. Paige Bueckers added 17 points and six assists, while Jacy Sheldon contributed 12 points and 12 rebounds.
For the winning side, Gabby Williams scored 19 points and Tiffany Hayes added 18. Veronica Burton recorded 16 points, ten rebounds and six assists.
The game also saw an unexpected incident — with about a minute left in regulation, Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase collapsed while speaking with an official but remained with the team through the final whistle.
Season summary
In the 15-team regular season, the Wings finished seventh while the Valkyries placed second.
Laksa joined Dallas this season after the team's first overall draft pick, guard Paige Bueckers... (note: injury affected a different player) — guard Aziaha James, suffered an injury. Last season, the Latvian player won a WNBA runner-up title with the Phoenix Mercury.
