Rusty Valkyries Push Lynx Before Falling 82-71

Sometimes, a long break isn’t what the doctor ordered.

The Minnesota Lynx defeated the Golden State Valkyries 82-71 on Saturday night in Minneapolis, taking control late against a Valkyries squad that looked rusty after a long break and while working to reintegrate Janelle Salaun and Cecilia Zandalasini from Eurobasket. The pair combined to shoot 0-for-5 in their return as Golden State fought to find its rhythm against a Lynx team that remains undefeated at home this season.

Despite the loss, the Valkyries (9-8) showed their trademark fight, pushing the WNBA’s top team deep into the game and continuing to prove why they are one of the league’s most competitive and resilient teams in their inaugural season.

Even with those challenges, veteran guard Tiffany Hayes delivered a masterclass in efficiency and leadership. Hayes poured in a season-high 23 points on 8-of-11 shooting (72.7%), including 5-of-6 (83.3%) from deep, keeping the Valkyries within striking distance throughout the night. It was nothing short of incredible when she knocked down a three-pointer with just one shoe on her foot.

Minnesota used a 14-0 run in the first quarter to take a 25-18 lead after Golden State missed eight straight three-pointers following a pair of early makes. The Valkyries, however, found life in the second quarter, with Monique Billings scoring five straight points to close the half, cutting Minnesota’s lead to 41-36.

The Valkyries came out of halftime with urgency and precision, scoring 20 points in the first 5:18 of the third quarter on 8-of-10 shooting, including a perfect 4-of-4 from deep. Hayes knocked down back-to-back threes, igniting a 10-0 run that gave Golden State a 56-54 lead midway through the period.

It was a moment that showcased the team’s ability to respond under pressure in a hostile environment against a championship-caliber opponent.

Minnesota, however, answered with a decisive 15-4 run to close the quarter, taking a 69-60 lead into the fourth. The Lynx pushed the margin to 78-63 on a Kayla McBride three-pointer with just over four minutes to play, sealing the result despite Golden State’s continued efforts to battle back.

Kayla Thornton added to her All-Star caliber season with another strong performance, finishing with 13 points and 10 rebounds for her fifth double-double of the season. Thornton and Hayes combined for all of Golden State’s first-quarter points, with Thornton scoring 11 and Hayes adding seven.

Stephanie Talbot provided steady contributions in her eighth consecutive start, adding 10 points, four rebounds, and four assists on 50% shooting.

Temi Fágbénlé, in her first start since Eurobasket, added seven points and six rebounds while showcasing the interior energy that has made her an impact player for Golden State. Head coach Natalie Nakase credited her team’s resilience despite the result.

“The free throws, it was 15 to eight, that was a little bit off kilter,” Nakase said. “But overall our girls fought. They fought until the very end, everyone who stepped in contributed. Even L.A. (Laeticia Amihere) was giving us great energy and information on the sidelines, so just credit to everyone.”

Golden State shot a season-low eight free throw attempts but converted six (75%) while continuing to generate quality looks throughout the game.

Veronica Burton, who has started all 17 games this season, added six points and four assists while helping steady the offense and set the defensive tone at the point of attack.

Nakase emphasized that while Minnesota is the league’s top team, Golden State’s standard for measuring progress remains internal.

“We’re not measuring based off of, it’s the first team in the league. That’s not how we measure it, we measure it with us,” Nakase said. “We did not start off defensively great, we gave up a 25-point quarter. We didn’t even touch them, we didn’t even physically pick them up. So we know where we have to be better.”

Nakase also shared praise for her players’ continued All-Star level performances, emphasizing Thornton’s consistent closing ability, Hayes’ toughness, and Fágbénlé’s defensive presence.

“K.T. (Kayla Thornton), obviously, comes to my mind just again because she’s been our most reliable,” Nakase said, noting her ability to close games.

“I think Tip (Tiffany) Hayes, if she was healthy, she’s able to make a three with one shoe. I think that’s pretty impressive; and then Temi (Fágbénlé). Literally, I saw a demon inside Temi today, she was so fierce.”

While the final score went Minnesota’s way, the Valkyries walked off the court with important lessons and clear reminders of where they need to grow, even in a tough road environment. The process of reintegrating Eurobasket returnees and shaking off the rust after a long break is necessary before they can put themselves over the top against the league’s best and make a true postseason push.

UP NEXT

• The Valkyries continue their road trip on Monday, July 7 against the Atlanta Dream at 4:30 p.m. PT on KPIX, KMAX, and the Audacy App.
• For tickets, news, and more team updates, visit valkyries.wnba.com.