Lynx Silence Valkyries’ Roar: Dominant 77-66 Statement Win
Minnesota Lynx Soar Past Golden State Valkyries in Big WNBA Showdown
What Happened in Simple Terms
Imagine two really good basketball teams playing a game. The Minnesota Lynx (the team with the best record in the whole league) visited the Golden State Valkyries (a brand-new team that’s surprisingly good) at the famous Chase Center in San Francisco. The Lynx won 77–66, but the game had some exciting moments and a scary injury.
Meet the Teams
Minnesota Lynx (The Veterans)
- Record: 30 wins, 7 losses (best in the league!)
- Current streak: Won 5 games in a row, 15 of their last 16
- Road warriors: 11–1 against Western Conference teams away from home
- Playoff champs: Swept the Valkyries in the first round of the 2025 playoffs
Golden State Valkyries (The Rookies)
- Record: 25 wins, 10 losses (amazing for a first-year team!)
- Recent form: Had won 6 straight before this game
- Playoff bound: Already clinched a playoff spot
- Home court: Play at Chase Center — same arena as the NBA’s Golden State Warriors
Star Players of the Night
| Player | Team | Points | Other Stats | Fun Fact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Olivia Miles | Lynx | 20 | 7 assists, 5 rebounds | Rookie sensation — shot 8-of-10! |
| Kayla McBride | Lynx | 20 | — | Did Steph Curry’s famous "night night" celebration after a big 3-pointer |
| Napheesa Collier | Lynx | 18 | 8 rebounds | Accidentally caused Miles’ injury |
| Veronica Burton | Valkyries | 14 | 7 assists | Kept her team in the game |
The Game Story: Step by Step
1⃣ Slow Start for the Valkyries
- Golden State missed 22 of their first 27 shots!
- First quarter: Only 4 of 17 shots made (including 5 missed 3-pointers)
- Second quarter: Started 1 for 12
- Halftime score: Lynx 41, Valkyries 26
2⃣ Lynx Take Control Early
- Minnesota jumped to a 35–18 lead
- Opened second quarter with a 7–0 run
- Their defense smothered the Valkyries’ usually great offense
3⃣ Valkyries Fight Back (Briefly)
- Janelle Salaun hit a 3-pointer to make it 54–44
- Then a free throw and layup cut it to 54–47 with 8 minutes left
- But Golden State couldn’t get enough defensive stops to complete the comeback
4⃣ Injury Scare for the Lynx
IMPORTANT UPDATE ON OLIVIA MILES
- Minnesota’s standout rookie turned her left ankle when she stepped on teammate Napheesa Collier’s foot
- She limped off the court and went to the locker room
- Good news: She returned to the bench area (didn’t go to hospital)
- Status: Day-to-day — team will monitor swelling
5⃣ Another Valkyrie Hurt Too
- Kaila Charles also left in the 4th quarter after taking a hit to the eye
- Double injury trouble for the home team
Why the Valkyries Struggled
- Terrible shooting night: 7-for-37 overall (only 19%)
- Cold from deep: 2-for-14 on 3-pointers in first half
- Star shut down: Leading scorer Gabby Williams held to 10 points on 4-of-15 shooting
- Offense relies on defense — but they couldn’t get stops, so they couldn’t run their fast-paced game
Cool Moment: Kayla McBride Channels Steph Curry
After hitting a big 3-pointer late in the game, Kayla McBride did Steph Curry’s famous "night night" gesture — putting her hands together like she’s sleeping. Perfect tribute since they were playing in Curry’s home arena!
What’s Next for Both Teams
| Team | Next Game | When |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Lynx | @ Washington Mystics | Friday night |
| Golden State Valkyries | @ Chicago Sky | Friday night |
Big News for the Valkyries & Chase Center
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced Tuesday that Chase Center and the Valkyries will host the 2027 WNBA All-Star Game! Huge honor for a first-year franchise.
Summary
- Final Score: Minnesota Lynx 77, Golden State Valkyries 66
- Lynx dominate early, survive late rally attempt
- Olivia Miles shines (20 pts, 8/10 shooting) but leaves with ankle injury
- Kayla McBride matches her with 20 points + Curry celebration
- Valkyries shoot poorly (19% overall) and lose 6-game win streak
- Both teams already playoff-bound — this was a measuring-stick game
- Lynx prove why they’re #1 — 15 of 16, best road record in West
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Who are the Valkyries? Are they new?
Yes! They’re an expansion team — meaning this is their very first season in the WNBA (2025). Making the playoffs with a 25–10 record in Year 1 is incredibly rare and impressive.
What does "swept in the playoffs" mean?
It means the Lynx beat the Valkyries in every game of their playoff series — usually a best-of-3, so 2–0 or 3–0. The Valkyries still haven’t beaten Minnesota in 7 total meetings.
Why is Olivia Miles a big deal?
She’s a rookie (first-year player) playing like a veteran. 20 points on 80% shooting with 7 assists shows she’s a special playmaker. She’s a top candidate for Rookie of the Year.
What’s the "night night" gesture?
It’s Steph Curry’s signature celebration — he pretends to go to sleep after a big shot, meaning "game over." Kayla McBride did it in Curry’s own arena as a fun nod to the Warriors star.
How good are the Lynx really?
Historically good. 30–7 record, 15 of 16 games won, best road record in the West. They’re the clear championship favorites and have a mix of veterans (Collier, McBride) and rising stars (Miles).
Game recap based on AP coverage. For more WNBA news, visit AP WNBA Hub.