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3w ago

Lynx Rout Valkyries 101-72 to Open Series With 1-0 Lead

Minnesota's depth and defense seized control after the first quarter, leaving Golden State to stave off elimination in a relocated Game 2 in San Jose.

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Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase reacts to a play on the court in the second half as Golden State played the Minnesota Lynx in Game 1 of the WNBA first-round playoffs at Target Center in Minneapolis on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025.
Napheesa Collier of the Lynx drives to the basket past the Valkyries’ Janelle Salaün (13) and Kate Martin (20) in the second half as Golden State lost Game 1 against Minnesota of their WNBA first-round playoff series at Target Center in Minneapolis on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025.
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Overview

  • MVP candidate Napheesa Collier scored 20 points with six rebounds, Kayla McBride added 17, and Natisha Hiedeman delivered 18 off the bench with a +32 plus-minus, the second-best in Lynx postseason history.
  • Golden State led 28-21 after one quarter before Minnesota outscored the Valkyries 80-44 the rest of the way, holding them to 33.9% shooting and converting 16 turnovers into 16 points.
  • The Valkyries went 5-for-8 from three in the first quarter but 5-for-23 thereafter as the Lynx tightened their perimeter defense and dominated the second and third quarters.
  • Golden State used a short rotation and dealt with foul trouble, including Temi Fágbénlé picking up five; head coach Natalie Nakase received a technical and later criticized the officiating.
  • Game 2 is Wednesday at SAP Center in San Jose due to a Chase Center conflict, where Golden State must win to force a decisive Game 3 in Minneapolis.