Valkyries Fight Hard But StudBudz' Hiedeman Too Much in 78-72 Loss to Lynx

SAN FRANCISCO — We don’t know if this was the last game of the season at San Francisco’s Chase Center, but what is certain is that the fans will travel and continue to support the team, no matter where in the Bay Area they play.

In a playoff-like atmosphere at a sold-out Ballhalla, the Golden State Valkyries closed their inaugural regular season with a hard-fought 78-72 loss to the Minnesota Lynx, fueled by StudBudz member Natisha Hiedeman’s career-tying 24 points. Despite the defeat, the night capped a historic debut campaign in which the Valkyries sold out every home game and set new WNBA attendance records.

From the opening tip, the noise inside “Ballhalla” was feverish, a constant roar that reflected the stakes of the matchup. With the possibility that this would be the Valkyries’ last home game of the year, the fans treated it like a postseason clash and the players responded in kind with relentless energy.

The sellout crowd of 18,064 was more than just another milestone; it officially capped Golden State’s unprecedented accomplishment of selling out every home game this season, setting league records for both average attendance (18,064) and total attendance (397,408).

The Valkyries once again displayed their balanced attack, spreading contributions across the roster.

Kaila Charles tied her career high with 15 points on seven made field goals and grabbed eight rebounds, showing the kind of aggressive rim attacks her coach praised postgame.

Janelle Salaün matched her output with 15 points and eight rebounds of her own, sinking three triples to keep the offense flowing.

Iliana Rupert also scored 15 while going a perfect 4-for-4 from the line and adding six boards.

Veronica Burton, a front-runner for this year's Most Improved Player, chipped in 14 points on 50 percent shooting and led the team with six assists. Kate Martin provided six rebounds off the bench, underscoring the Valkyries’ depth.

Golden State built momentum in the first half, taking a 36-31 lead into the break. Salaün connected on a three-pointer and Charles drove in for a layup to close the second quarter, punctuating a half marked by crisp ball movement and smart spacing.

Head coach Natalie Nakase praised her team’s offensive approach, saying, “We were just making the right reads, our spacing was really good tonight. I think our passing was a little bit crisper, which was why I think the ball moved well, and we took quality shots.”

The game turned in the third quarter when Minnesota unleashed a 16-0 run late in the period, and Natisha Hiedeman emerged as the driving force behind the surge.

Trailing by six with under three minutes left in the quarter, Napheesa Collier sparked the run with a three-pointer, but it was Hiedeman who drew a flagrant foul on a three-point attempt, calmly sank all her free throws, and handed the Lynx their first lead since the opening quarter.

Jessica Shepard added a putback, and Hiedeman capped the blitz with back-to-back threes, sending Minnesota into the fourth ahead 61-52.

Tying her career high with 24 points, Hiedeman’s clutch shooting and composed decision-making repeatedly answered Golden State’s threats, steadying her team and setting the tone down the stretch. When asked about hitting big shots to keep the Lynx ahead, she responded, "Yeah, I think my teammates was setting good screens. Passing when I was open. Really just like a team effort. It kind of just makes it easy when you're out there flowing. Everybody's flowing"

In addition to her standout performance on the court, Hiedeman shines off the court as half of the StudBudz social media duo. Alongside best friend Courtney Williams, she forms a hilarious and highly entertaining viral WNBA pair, celebrated for their lively and engaging Twitch channel. Their 72-hour livestream lit up All-Star Weekend and featured WNBA A-listers such as Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, and even Commissioner Cathy Engelbert.

Despite the third quarter surge, the Valkyries pushed back. Burton’s three-point play in the final minute brought Golden State within 74-72, igniting the crowd one last time. But Collier’s short jumper on the next possession gave the Lynx breathing room, and Kayla McBride iced the win with two free throws after a turnover.

Collier finished with 20 points, Shepard had 12 points and 13 rebounds in a spot start, and Courtney Williams added 14 for Minnesota.

Even in defeat, Golden State showed the grit and cohesion that has defined their first season. Nakase singled out Charles’s confidence attacking the gaps, while Charles credited her teammates for creating opportunities: “My teammates were finding me. They gave me the confidence to just kind of keep shooting.” Rupert stressed the importance of rest before the final road swing, with the focus squarely on building momentum for the postseason.

For the Lynx, head coach Cheryl Reeve praised her team’s second-half execution but acknowledged Golden State’s toughness, noting how the Valkyries held Minnesota under 20 points in every quarter except the third. Reeve emphasized the defensive identity Golden State has already established in year one, a foundation that will keep them competitive in every matchup. Reeve stated postgame, "They lead the league in categories defensively and you know it's classic case that when you when you defend you give yourself a chance to win every game you play in."

As the final buzzer sounded, fans lingered in their seats, soaking up what could be the last home memory of the Valkyries’ inaugural campaign in San Francisco. The season has been a resounding success, full of sellouts, milestones and a style of play that’s already captured the Bay Area.

With the playoffs next on the horizon, Golden State has proven itself more than ready for the spotlight, powered by a passionate, loyal fan base that has already made Ballhalla one of the toughest places to play in the league.

The first round of the playoffs won’t be held at Chase Center but instead at San Jose’s SAP Center, affectionately called The Shark Tank by Sharks fans. Coach Nakase said she’s excited for the move and confident the Valkyries’ supporters will make the trip, adding, “I can’t wait.”

With the regular season now behind them, the Valkyries carry the energy, confidence, and support of their record-setting fans into the playoffs. Their first postseason appearance promises to be just as electrifying as the season that led them there, no matter the location.

UP NEXT

• Golden State hits the road to face the Seattle Storm on Tuesday, September 9 at 7:00 p.m. on KPYX and the Audacy App.
• For tickets, news, and more team updates, visit valkyries.wnba.com.