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Lynx Rout Valkyries 101-72 to Take 1-0 Lead as Series Moves to San Jose

Minnesota’s depth, defense flipped a hot start by Golden State, leaving the expansion team to face elimination Wednesday at SAP Center in San Jose.

Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) celebrates scoring on the Seattle Storm in the third quarter during Game 1 of their 2025 WNBA Playoffs at Michelob Ultra Arena on Sunday, September 14.
Minnesota Lynx forward Jessica Shepard goes up to shoot between Golden State Valkyries center Iliana Rupert, left, and guard Kate Martin during the second half of Game 1 in the first round of the WNBA basketball playoffs Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Minneapolis.
Image
Candice Ward-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Golden State led 28-21 after the first quarter before Minnesota seized control by winning the second 26-12 and scoring 32 in the third.
  • Napheesa Collier paced the Lynx with 20 points and six rebounds, with Kayla McBride adding 17 and Natisha Hiedeman supplying 18 off the bench.
  • Minnesota’s reserves outscored the Valkyries’ bench 42-17 as the top seed showcased a decisive depth advantage.
  • The Valkyries shot 33.9% from the field and 29% from three, committing 16 turnovers that became 16 Lynx points.
  • Golden State used a short rotation, center Temi Fágbénlé hit early foul trouble, and coach Natalie Nakase drew a technical, compounding issues heading into Wednesday’s must-win Game 2 at San Jose’s SAP Center due to a Chase Center conflict.