SAN FRANCISCO -- The Golden State Valkyries became the first WNBA team to reach the playoffs in its inaugural season Thursday night, with Janelle Salaun scoring 19 points in an 84-80 comeback victory against the Dallas Wings for Golden State's fifth straight win.

The Valkyries, who improved to 23-18, also joined the Detroit Shock (1998) as the only two expansion teams in WNBA history to finish with a .500 or better record, according to ESPN Research.

"Let's goooooo!" Salaun screamed into the microphone moments after the final buzzer sounded as teammates pulled on black playoff T-shirts.

Veronica Burton 's three-point play with 22.3 seconds to go and four free throws over the final 11.4 seconds helped seal it as she scored 15 points. Carla Leite also added 15.

Monique Billing

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