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3h ago

Lynx Eye Closeout in Bay Area as Valkyries Host Win-or-Go-Home Game 2

Tonight’s result either sends the Lynx through or pushes the series back to Minneapolis.

A rainbow appeared as fans lined up outside SAP Center in San Jose for a Sharks game in 2024.
Golden State Valkyries center Temi Fagbenle, center, goes up for a shot past Minnesota Lynx forward Alanna Smith (8) and forward Bridget Carleton (6) during the first half of an WBA basketball game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025 in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)
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SAP Center in San Jose is transformed into the home court for the Golden State Valkyries playoff game. (Sept. 17, 2025)

Overview

  • Minnesota leads the best-of-three 1-0 after a 101-72 Game 1 rout, powered by MVP candidate Napheesa Collier’s 20 points and 18 off the bench from Natisha Hiedeman.
  • Game 2 is set for 7 p.m. PT on ESPN at SAP Center in San Jose due to a Chase Center scheduling conflict, marking Golden State’s first home playoff game with a sold-out crowd.
  • Golden State, the first expansion team to reach the WNBA playoffs, must win to extend its season and force a decisive Game 3 back in Minneapolis.
  • Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase said she was fined following postgame criticism of officiating after Game 1, when Golden State was called for 22 fouls and several players hit early foul trouble.
  • Minnesota has won all five meetings this season, with Hiedeman surging in recent matchups and the Lynx controlling the paint and glass in the series opener.