Lynx Dominate 101-72, Leaving Valkyries One Loss from Elimination

After a storybook season, the playoffs have arrived and the Valkyries now face the harsh reality of being just one game from elimination and watching their dream season come to an abrupt end.

The Golden State Valkyries came out of the gates blazing on Sunday afternoon in Minneapolis, looking every bit ready to steal Game 1 on the road against the league-leading Minnesota Lynx. Unfortunately for the Valkyries, the Lynx settled in, asserted their status as the WNBA’s gold standard, and turned the game into a statement win, cruising to a 101-72 victory to open the best-of-three series.

Veronica Burton buried two quick threes to spark an 11-4 run to start the game, and Golden State’s crisp ball movement and aggressive attacking had them up 28-21 at the end of the first quarter.

Burton, who was spectacular in stretches, also had seven of Golden State’s 16 turnovers, miscues that Minnesota turned into easy points.

Temi Fágbénlé and Janelle Salaün each scored eight points in the opening frame as the Valkyries shot an efficient 50 percent from the field and piled up 17 assists on their first 20 made baskets.

At that point, Golden State had matched and even exceeded Minnesota’s early energy, playing the type of basketball that has made them one of the league’s most dangerous offensive teams in their inaugural season.

Despite Golden State’s hot start, the Lynx tightened up defensively, forced turnovers, and punished the Valkyries in transition, once again showing why they’ve been the league’s top seed all year.

Head coach Natalie Nakase acknowledged after the game the turnovers, “A lot of that came in the second half in transition, us not taking care of the ball. So, we got to do a better job of taking care of the ball.”

For the Lynx, Kayla McBride ignited a 12-3 surge to open the second quarter, wiping out the deficit and putting her team ahead for the first time, on her way to 14 points by the break.

Napheesa Collier added 11 in the quarter, finishing with 20 for the game, as Minnesota took a 47-39 advantage into the break.

The third quarter proved decisive. Alanna Smith drilled a three-pointer to stretch the lead to double digits early in the period, and the Lynx never looked back.

Minnesota’s depth took over, with Jessica Shepard dominating the glass and Courtney Williams wreaking havoc defensively, collecting four steals.

DiJonai Carrington and Courtney Williams combined for three triples in the closing minutes of the third quarter, stretching the lead to 79-58 heading into the final frame, where the Lynx coasted to victory.

Golden State still had bright spots despite the final margin. Burton finished with 14 points, seven assists, and three steals, going a perfect 5-for-5 from the line.

Cecilia Zandalasini also added 14 points and was a flawless 7-of-7 from the stripe in her return to the starting lineup.

Salaün contributed 13 points and six rebounds while shooting 42.9 percent from deep.

Fágbénlé scored 12 points on 62.5 percent shooting before fouling out.

Off the bench, Kate Martin chipped in 11 points and knocked down a pair of threes, showing the second unit’s ability to score when called upon.

The Valkyries were excellent from the free-throw line overall, shooting 85.2 percent as a team.

Still, Golden State’s biggest weapon, the three-point shot, betrayed them on this night. The Valkyries, who lead the league in made threes per game, shot just 8-of-30 (26.7 percent) from beyond the arc and 32.1 percent from the field overall. Against a team as balanced and relentless as Minnesota, that was simply too much to overcome.

Zandalasini stressed the importance of playing a complete game to beat the Lynx, not just a strong half. “Our game is a 40-minute game, and I think we just played a solid half, but we need the second half as well. So that's what we're gonna focus on going into the next one.”

Nakase remained optimistic heading into Wednesday’s Game 2 at Ballhalla, Golden State’s home arena, stressing the importance of adjustments and recovery. “They did their job. They're supposed to win here at home. Now we get to go home, now we get to go to Ballhalla in front of our amazing fans and play with the love and support that we always have. And we’ve got to do our job,” she said.

Burton echoed that sentiment, reminding her teammates not to get too wrapped up in one loss: “It’s 1-0. They were supposed to win at home, they’re the one seed. Now it’s our turn.”

For the Valkyries, the challenge is clear, take care of the ball, limit Minnesota’s transition game, and rediscover their perimeter shooting touch. They may still be searching for their first-ever win against the Lynx, but Golden State has shown they can compete with the league’s best when locked in.

With Game 2 set for Wednesday and the support of their home, Bay Area crowd, the Valkyries will fight to even the series and force a winner-take-all Game 3, knowing that a loss would bring their dream season to a sudden end.

UP NEXT

• Golden State hosts the Minnesota Lynx for Game 2 on Wednesday, September 17 at 7 p.m. PT at SAP Center on ESPN, 95.7 The Game, and the Audacy App.
• For tickets, news, and more team updates, visit valkyries.wnba.com.