Lynx Dominate Valkyries in WNBA Matchup
Thursday, September 11, 2025, 8:00 PM ET · Target Center
Minnesota Lynx 72, Golden State Valkyries 53, final. Our WNBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Golden State Valkyries vs Minnesota Lynx?
Minnesota Lynx beat Golden State Valkyries 72-53 at Target Center on September 11, 2025.
The Minnesota Lynx showcased their dominance over the Golden State Valkyries with a decisive 72-53 victory at the Target Center. This win extends the Lynx's perfect record against the Valkyries in the current season, having now won all four matchups. The Lynx's strong performance at home continues, bolstered by a solid overall record of 34-10, while the Valkyries finish the season with a 23-21 record.
In terms of recent form, both teams entered this game with a record of 5-5 in their last ten games. However, the Lynx were coming off a loss against the Indiana Fever just three days prior, while the Valkyries had lost their last two games, including a previous matchup against the Lynx on September 7, where they fell 78-72. The Lynx's scoring average over their last ten games was 84.6 points, while they allowed an average of 82.0 points. In contrast, the Valkyries averaged 78.5 points scored and 75.4 points allowed during the same stretch.
At home, the Lynx have a record of 2-1 in their last three games, while the Valkyries struggled on the road with a 1-2 record in their last three away games. The Lynx's home advantage has been significant, as evidenced by their ability to maintain a strong scoring average while playing in front of their fans.
Injury concerns affected both teams, with the Lynx missing Elena Buenavida due to a coach's decision, along with Antonia Delaere and Dorka Juhasz for non-injury-related reasons. The Valkyries were also hit hard, missing Cecilia Zandalasini, Janelle Salaun, Gabby Williams, and Iliana Rupert, all for non-injury-related reasons. These absences likely impacted both teams' strategies and depth.
The market had priced the Lynx as heavy favorites with a home win probability of 1.0, reflecting their strong season performance and historical success against the Valkyries. The conditions in the Target Center were favorable for the Lynx, contributing to their ability to execute their game plan effectively.
As the game unfolded, the Lynx established control early and maintained their lead throughout. Key scoring plays in the fourth quarter included Jessica Shepard's contributions, which helped solidify the Lynx's advantage. Bridget Carleton's three-pointer and Monique Billings' consistent scoring were also pivotal in the Lynx's offensive strategy.
Overall, the Lynx's ability to capitalize on their home court and their historical success against the Valkyries were critical factors in this matchup. The Lynx's strong defensive performance limited the Valkyries to just 53 points, showcasing their prowess on both ends of the court. This game serves as a testament to the Lynx's capabilities as they continue their pursuit of success in the WNBA.
Injury report
- Elena BuenavidaOutCoach's DecisionMinnesota Lynx
- Antonia DelaereOutNot Injury RelatedMinnesota Lynx
- Dorka JuhaszOutNot Injury RelatedMinnesota Lynx
- Cecilia ZandalasiniOutNot Injury RelatedGolden State Valkyries
- Janelle SalaunOutNot Injury RelatedGolden State Valkyries
- Gabby WilliamsOutNot Injury RelatedGolden State Valkyries
- Iliana RupertOutNot Injury RelatedGolden State Valkyries
Leaders
- PointsNatisha Hiedeman21Minnesota Lynx
- AssistsKayla McBride4Minnesota Lynx
- ReboundsJessica Shepard14Minnesota Lynx
- PointsIliana Rupert8Golden State Valkyries
- AssistsVeronica Burton7Golden State Valkyries
- ReboundsJanelle Salaun11Golden State Valkyries
Recent form
Minnesota Lynx
Last 10: 5-5Streak L184.6 scored · 82 allowed per game2-1 at home
- L72-83at Indiana FeverSep 9
- W78-72at Golden State ValkyriesSep 7
- L87-97at Las Vegas AcesSep 5
- W96-71vs Dallas WingsSep 2
- W94-70at Connecticut SunAug 30
- L79-93vs Seattle StormAug 29
- W97-84vs Indiana FeverAug 24
- W95-90at Indiana FeverAug 22
- L73-75at Atlanta DreamAug 21
- L75-85at New York LibertyAug 19
Golden State Valkyries
Last 10: 5-5Streak L278.5 scored · 75.4 allowed per game1-2 away
- L73-74at Seattle StormSep 10
- L72-78vs Minnesota LynxSep 7
- W84-80vs Dallas WingsSep 5
- W66-58vs New York LibertySep 3
- W75-63vs Indiana FeverSep 1
- W99-62vs Washington MysticsAug 31
- W90-81at Dallas WingsAug 24
- L72-81at Phoenix MercuryAug 23
- L91-98vs Phoenix MercuryAug 20
- L63-79vs Atlanta DreamAug 18
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | - | 9 | L2 | .775 | 31 |
| Golden State | 2 | 11 | W4 | .725 | 29 |
| Las Vegas | 4 | 13 | W3 | .675 | 27 |
| Dallas | 7 | 16 | W4 | .600 | 24 |
| Portland | 15 | 24 | L1 | .400 | 16 |
| Los Angeles | 16 | 25 | W2 | .375 | 15 |
| Phoenix | 17 | 26 | W1 | .350 | 14 |
| Seattle | 23 | 32 | L1 | .200 | 8 |
Box score
| Stat | Golden State Valkyries | Minnesota Lynx |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 19-66 | 29-67 |
| Field goal % | 29 | 43 |
| Three-pointers | 3-27 | 9-28 |
| Three-point % | 11 | 32 |
| Free throws | 12-15 | 5-9 |
| Free throw % | 80 | 56 |
| Rebounds | 38 | 39 |
| Offensive rebounds | 15 | 14 |
| Defensive rebounds | 23 | 25 |
| Assists | 15 | 21 |
| Steals | 14 | 12 |
| Blocks | 4 | 5 |
| Turnovers | 20 | 17 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 18 | 18 |
| Fast-break points | 2 | 14 |
| Points in the paint | 20 | 34 |
| Fouls | 15 | 12 |
| Largest lead | 2 | 20 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Quarter20-32Napheesa Collier makes 13-foot two point shot (Courtney Williams assists)
- 2nd Quarter22-32Temi Fagbenle makes layup
- 2nd Quarter22-34Napheesa Collier makes 18-foot jumper (Courtney Williams assists)
- 3rd Quarter23-34Veronica Burton makes technical free throw
- 3rd Quarter23-37Napheesa Collier makes 23-foot three point jumper (Bridget Carleton assists)
- 3rd Quarter24-37Veronica Burton makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter25-37Veronica Burton makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter25-39Napheesa Collier makes 6-foot two point shot (Kayla McBride assists)
- 3rd Quarter27-39Kaila Charles makes driving layup (Iliana Rupert assists)
- 3rd Quarter28-39Janelle Salaun makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter30-39Cecilia Zandalasini makes 14-foot jumper (Veronica Burton assists)
- 3rd Quarter31-39Janelle Salaun makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter32-39Janelle Salaun makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter34-39Iliana Rupert makes 8-foot layup (Veronica Burton assists)
- 3rd Quarter34-41Jessica Shepard makes driving layup (Napheesa Collier assists)
- 3rd Quarter34-42Jessica Shepard makes free throw 1 of 1
- 3rd Quarter35-42Cecilia Zandalasini makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter35-45Natisha Hiedeman makes 23-foot three point step back jumpshot (Jessica Shepard assists)
- 3rd Quarter38-45Iliana Rupert makes 24-foot three point jumper (Veronica Burton assists)
- 3rd Quarter41-45Iliana Rupert makes 24-foot three point jumper (Veronica Burton assists)
- 3rd Quarter41-47Natisha Hiedeman makes tip shot
- 4th Quarter41-49Natisha Hiedeman makes 6-foot two point shot (Kayla McBride assists)
- 4th Quarter41-52Kayla McBride makes 23-foot three point jumper (Alanna Smith assists)
- 4th Quarter41-54Natisha Hiedeman makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter41-57Natisha Hiedeman makes 24-foot three point shot (Courtney Williams assists)
- 4th Quarter41-59Natisha Hiedeman makes two point shot (Jessica Shepard assists)
- 4th Quarter43-59Veronica Burton makes 20-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter43-60Natisha Hiedeman makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter43-61Natisha Hiedeman makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter43-63Napheesa Collier makes 3-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter45-63Janelle Salaun makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter45-64Jessica Shepard makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter45-65Jessica Shepard makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter48-65Laeticia Amihere makes 23-foot three point jumper (Monique Billings assists)
- 4th Quarter48-67Jessica Shepard makes 4-foot driving floating jump shot (Anastasiia Olairi Kosu assists)
- 4th Quarter50-67Monique Billings makes 3-foot layup (Carla Leite assists)
- 4th Quarter50-70Bridget Carleton makes 22-foot three point jumper (Jessica Shepard assists)
- 4th Quarter51-70Carla Leite makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter53-70Monique Billings makes 10-foot jumper (Carla Leite assists)
- 4th Quarter53-72Jaylyn Sherrod makes layup
Win probability
Above the line favours Minnesota Lynx, below favours Golden State Valkyries.
Venue
- Target CenterMinneapolis, MN
- Attendance8824
- OfficialsRoy Gulbeyan, Jeff Wooten, Randy Richardson
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WNBA rules and settlement
These two, other days
- Valkyries Defeat Lynx in Upset VictoryAug 24, 2026
- Lynx Defeat Valkyries in WNBA ShowdownAug 19, 2026
- Lynx Edge Valkyries in Close Contest at Chase CenterJun 19, 2026
- Lynx Edge Valkyries in Thrilling FinishJun 4, 2026
- Lynx Edge Valkyries in Nail-Biting FinishSep 17, 2025