Pre-Review_WNBA: Golden State Valkyries at Minnesota Lynx

The Minnesota Lynx host the Golden State Valkyries tonight at Target Center in a marquee matchup between two Western Conference contenders. Golden State looks to bounce back and make a statement on the road, while Minnesota aims to defend home court behind its potent inside-out attack and balanced starting lineup.

1st Quarter

Golden State controls the opening tip and looks to set the tone on defense. Veronica Burton pressures the point, but Minnesota moves the ball with precision. Olivia Miles drives into the paint and kicks out to Kayla McBride, who knocks down a rhythm three-pointer from the wing to put Minnesota on the board first, 3-0.

Golden State responds quickly. Gabby Williams attacks downhill off a screen, finishing a contested layup in traffic. After a defensive stop highlighted by a Kiah Stokes block inside, Cecilia Zandalasini drills a corner three to give the Valkyries their first lead at 5-3 with 7:35 remaining.

The Valkyries push their advantage as Burton forces a turnover and finds Kayla Thornton in transition for a pull-up jumper. Stokes follows up with an offensive putback, stretching Golden State's run and giving them their largest lead of the night: Golden State 15, Minnesota 10, at the 4:45 mark.

Minnesota adjusts out of a timeout, leaning on Natasha Howard on the low block. Howard scores on consecutive interior touches, drawing contact for a three-point play. Miles then threads a bounce pass to Courtney Williams for a mid-range pull-up, tying the game at 17-17 with 2:20 to go.

Janelle Salaun gives Golden State a spark off the bench with an aggressive baseline drive, but Minnesota's reserve unit responds. Bridget Carleton splashes a corner three, and Howard cleans up the glass for a second-chance putback before the buzzer.

End of 1st: Minnesota 24, Golden State 22

2nd Quarter

Golden State opens the second quarter with energetic bench play. Temi Fagbenle scores on back-to-back paint touches, and Julie Vanloo drains a step-back three to swing momentum back to the Valkyries.

Golden State 29, Minnesota 26 — 7:50

Minnesota counters with disciplined half-court execution. Miles takes control of the tempo, penetrating deep into the lane to draw defenders before finding Nia Coffey for a baseline jumper. McBride then curls off a staggered screen and sinks her second triple of the half.

The Lynx mount an 8-0 run to reclaim the lead, 34-29, with 5:15 left in the quarter.

The teams trade baskets in a physical, defensive stretch. Gabby Williams connects on a mid-range pull-up, while Howard continues to control the paint for Minnesota, altering shots at the rim and converting a turnaround hook.

A late transition layup by Courtney Williams sends the Lynx into the locker room with a slight cushion.

Halftime: Minnesota 45, Golden State 41

3rd Quarter

Minnesota starts the third quarter on a mission to build separation.

Miles finds Howard for an easy lay-in, then McBride knocks down a deep three in transition. Following a defensive stop, Courtney Williams pulls up from 15 feet to give Minnesota its first double-digit lead of the night, 52-41, at the 7:15 mark.

Golden State refuses to let the game slip away.

Gabby Williams sparks the offense, nailing a three from the top of the key and scoring on a fast-break layup after a steal by Burton. Zandalasini follows with another triple, cutting the deficit to single digits.

Minnesota 56, Golden State 51 — 4:30

Both defenses lock in through the middle of the frame. Stokes anchors the paint for Golden State with another rejection, while Howard and Coffey dominate the boards for Minnesota.

Kate Martin connects on a corner three for the Valkyries, but Howard answers with a strong finish inside over two defenders.

End of 3rd: Minnesota 67, Golden State 62

4th Quarter

Target Center reaches full volume as Minnesota opens the fourth quarter looking to put the game out of reach.

Miles takes over as the primary playmaker, orchestrating the offense with poise. She drives left for a tough floating bank shot, then finds Dorka Juhasz cutting along the baseline for an easy score, pushing the Lynx lead to its peak at 76-64 with 7:40 remaining.

Golden State mounts one final charge.

Burton buries a step-back three, and Thornton follows with a tough three-point play after grabbing an offensive rebound. Gabby Williams caps a 9-2 run with a drive and finish, pulling Golden State within five at 78-73 with 4:15 left on the clock.

Minnesota stays composed down the stretch.

Out of a timeout, Miles orchestrates a textbook pick-and-roll, feeding Howard for a two-handed slam. On the next possession, McBride creates space on the perimeter and sinks a clutch step-back jumper to push the lead back to nine.

Burton and Zandalasini hit late free throws for Golden State, but Miles and Howard ice the contest from the charity stripe in the final minute.

Final: Minnesota 92, Golden State 84

Summary

The Minnesota Lynx hold off a determined Golden State Valkyries squad behind an all-around masterclass from Natasha Howard and clutch shotmaking from Olivia Miles and Kayla McBride.

Golden State stayed competitive through defensive tenacity and efficient bench scoring, but Minnesota's 21 assists, interior dominance (Howard’s 20-point double-double), and fourth-quarter poise proved to be the difference maker down the stretch.

Notable Stats

Minnesota Lynx

• Natasha Howard — 20 points, 10 rebounds, 2 blocks

  
  

• Kayla McBride — 18 points, 3 three-pointers, 3 rebounds

  
  

• Olivia Miles — 17 points, 8 assists, 4 rebounds, 2 steals

  
  

• Courtney Williams — 12 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds

  
  

• Nia Coffey — 9 points, 7 rebounds

  
  

Golden State Valkyries

• Gabby Williams — 16 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists

  
  

• Veronica Burton — 13 points, 6 assists, 3 rebounds, 2 steals

  
  

• Cecilia Zandalasini — 12 points, 2 three-pointers, 3 rebounds

  
  

• Kayla Thornton — 11 points, 6 rebounds

  
  

• Janelle Salaun — 9 points, 4 rebounds