Pre-Review_WNBA: Minnesota Lynx at Golden State Valkyries

The top-seeded Minnesota Lynx visit the second-seeded Golden State Valkyries tonight in a matchup between two of the WNBA's hottest teams. Golden State enters on a six-game winning streak after clinching a playoff berth Monday, while Minnesota has won four straight. The Lynx have also won the first two meetings between these teams this season.

1st Quarter:

Golden State controls the opening tip and immediately tries to establish its defense. Veronica Burton applies pressure in the backcourt while the Valkyries pack the paint and dare Minnesota to make shots from outside.

Minnesota isn't rattled. Olivia Miles gets the Lynx organized, using a high screen to get downhill before finding Napheesa Collier cutting toward the basket for a contested lay-up to make it 6-4 Minnesota with 7:42 in the first.

The Valkyries answer with Gabby Williams attacking in transition. A couple of defensive stops lead to quick opportunities, and Golden State takes its first lead after a Williams three-pointer.

The Chase Center crowd gets involved as Golden State's defense forces Minnesota into a pair of difficult possessions. Kiah Stokes cleans up a miss inside and the Valkyries push the lead to five: Golden State 15 - Minnesota 10, 4:58 in the quarter.

Minnesota slows things down and goes back to Collier. She scores on a short turnaround jumper, then Miles creates another basket with a drive and kick.

Golden State continues to pressure the ball, but Tiffany Hayes gives the Valkyries a spark off the bench with a couple of aggressive possessions.

The Lynx close the quarter with their best stretch. Miles finds space for a three, and Collier finishes a second-chance opportunity as Minnesota takes control of the final two minutes.

End of 1st: Minnesota 23, Golden State 21

2nd Quarter:

Golden State comes out determined to regain the momentum.

The Valkyries' second unit turns up the defensive pressure, forcing Minnesota into several rushed possessions. Cecilia Zandalasini knocks down a three, followed by a Veronica Burton pull-up, and suddenly Golden State has its largest lead of the night.

Golden State 31, Minnesota 25 — 7:41

Minnesota calls for patience.

Miles settles the offense and begins attacking the middle of the floor. A pair of drives result in free throws, while Collier takes advantage of a smaller defender on the block.

The Lynx respond with an 8-2 run.

Tie game, 33-33 — 5:12

Neither team can create much separation.

Golden State's defense remains the story. The Valkyries entered the game leading the WNBA in defensive rating and opponent scoring, having held opponents to 70 points or fewer in 10 games this season.

Williams gets loose for a transition basket, while Hayes knocks down another jumper.

Minnesota answers before halftime. Miles finds Collier for a layup, then hits a pull-up jumper with just over a minute remaining.

Golden State gets one final possession, but the Lynx defense forces a difficult shot at the buzzer.

Halftime: Minnesota 43, Golden State 40

3rd Quarter:

Minnesota opens the second half looking to take control.

Miles immediately attacks the Valkyries' defense, getting into the lane and finding Collier for a short jumper.

Golden State responds with Williams.

She scores on consecutive possessions, including a three-pointer from the wing that brings the crowd back into the game.

Minnesota 49, Golden State 48 — 7:36

The game turns into a defensive battle.

Neither team is willing to give up easy baskets. Golden State forces Minnesota deeper into the shot clock, while the Lynx use their size and ball movement to keep the Valkyries from getting out in transition.

A Burton three gives Golden State the lead.

Golden State 55, Minnesota 53 — 4:41

Minnesota refuses to let the quarter get away.

Nia Coffey provides a huge defensive play, then Miles comes back down the floor and knocks down a three.

The lead changes hands several times during the final three minutes.

With less than a minute remaining, Collier converts a tough basket inside to put Minnesota ahead.

Golden State gets one final possession, but the Lynx defense forces a contested attempt.

End of 3rd: Minnesota 64, Golden State 62

4th Quarter:

Chase Center is rocking as Golden State opens the fourth quarter with its season on the line in terms of proving it can finally solve Minnesota.

The Valkyries have never beaten the Lynx, and tonight represents another opportunity to erase that streak.

Golden State starts aggressively.

Williams drives for a layup, Burton follows with a three, and suddenly the Valkyries have regained the lead.

Golden State 69, Minnesota 66 — 7:58

Minnesota refuses to panic. Miles gets into the paint and finds Collier for an and-one opportunity. On the next possession, Miles pulls up for another jumper.

The Lynx regain the lead, 72-71.

Now every possession matters.

Golden State goes back to its defense. Burton forces a turnover, and Hayes finishes in transition.

Minnesota answers immediately.  Collier scores on a tough interior possession, then Miles finds Coffey open on the wing for a three. The Valkyries call timeout with the score: Minnesota 77, Golden State 75, at the 2:46 mark.

Out of the timeout, Williams gets the ball in her hands and attacks. She draws two defenders before finding Zandalasini for a corner three.

Golden State 78, Minnesota 77 — 1:54

Minnesota comes right back. Miles patiently works the clock before getting into the lane. The Valkyries collapse, but Miles finds Collier underneath for the go-ahead basket.

Minnesota 79, Golden State 78 — 1:11

Golden State has a chance to answer. Burton brings the ball across  half court with the shot clock winding down. She finds Williams, who attacks the basket and draws contact.

Two free throws put the Valkyries back ahead.

Golden State 80, Minnesota 79 — 0:47

Minnesota has one more possession. Miles dribbles near the top of the key, uses a Collier screen and gets into the lane. Golden State collapses again, but Miles kicks the ball back outside. Coffey catches, shoots and misses.

Collier fights for the offensive rebound with 18 seconds remaining and kicks the ball back to Miles. Minnesota resets.

With the shot clock nearly gone, Miles drives left, stops and hits a short jumper over the outstretched defense.

Minnesota 81, Golden State 80 — 0:06

Golden State has one final chance.

The Valkyries advance the ball quickly. Williams receives it near midcourt and drives toward the lane, but Minnesota's defense collapses around her. She kicks the ball to Burton on the wing.

Burton gets the shot off at the buzzer.

It rims out.

Final: Minnesota 81, Golden State 80

Summary:

Minnesota survives another thriller against Golden State.

The Valkyries' defense keeps them within striking distance throughout the night, but the Lynx's combination of Olivia Miles' playmaking and Napheesa Collier's interior presence proves to be just enough in the final minute.

Golden State's six-game winning streak comes to an end, but the Valkyries once again demonstrate why they are one of the WNBA's elite teams.

The biggest question remains unanswered: can Golden State finally beat Minnesota?

For tonight, the answer is no.

The Lynx remain on top.

Notable Stats

Minnesota

Olivia Miles — 21 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds

Napheesa Collier — 24 points, 10 rebounds

Nia Coffey — 12 points, 6 rebounds

Golden State

Gabby Williams — 22 points, 7 rebounds

Veronica Burton — 17 points, 6 assists

Tiffany Hayes — 11 points

Cecilia Zandalasini — 10 points