Overview

• Top-seeded Minnesota beat Golden State 78-72 behind Natisha Hiedeman’s six 3-pointers and 24 points, with Napheesa Collier adding a late jumper to seal it.
• Despite the loss, the expansion Valkyries finished a sellout home slate and set single-season WNBA records for total attendance (397,408) and average attendance.
• Golden State is locked into the playoffs in its inaugural season and sits sixth with two games left, with fifth place now out of reach and seeding still in play.
• The WNBA returned to a 1–1–1 first-round format this year, guaranteeing lower seeds one home game; the Valkyries’ Game 2 will be at SAP Center due to a venue conflict.
• Indiana stayed in the mix by routing Chicago 97-77 and completing a season sweep, though the Fever’s outlook is reshaped by multiple season-ending injuries and Caitlin Clark being ruled out for the year.