Lynx Edge Valkyries in Thrilling Finish
Thursday, June 4, 2026, 9:00 PM ET · Target Center
Minnesota Lynx 87, Golden State Valkyries 84, 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 87-84 at Target Center on June 4, 2026.
Who was favored in Golden State Valkyries vs Minnesota Lynx?
Minnesota Lynx were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -175 (about 64% implied). The favorite won.
In a tightly contested matchup, the Minnesota Lynx triumphed over the Golden State Valkyries with a final score of 87-84 at the Target Center. This victory marked the Lynx's fourth win in their last five games, while the Valkyries continued their strong form with their recent streak of four consecutive wins prior to this matchup. With this win, Minnesota improved its record to 9-2 against Golden State in their last eleven meetings, reinforcing their dominance in this series, now leading 3-1 for the current season.
The Lynx entered the game with a home record of 8-2, while the Valkyries had a solid away record of 6-4. Minnesota's recent form had been somewhat inconsistent, with a record of 7-3 in their last ten games and an average of 88.6 points scored per game, while allowing 85.3 points. The Lynx had been struggling recently, losing their last two games before this victory. In contrast, the Valkyries had been on a roll, winning eight of their last ten games and averaging 81.7 points scored while allowing only 70.4 points per game.
Both teams faced significant injury challenges heading into the game. The Lynx were without Elena Buenavida, Antonia Delaere, and Dorka Juhasz, all of whom were out for various non-injury-related reasons. The Valkyries also had key players missing, including Cecilia Zandalasini, Janelle Salaun, Gabby Williams, and Iliana Rupert, all of whom were out for non-injury-related reasons as well. These absences undoubtedly impacted both teams' strategies and rotations throughout the game.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Lynx favored by 3.5 points, with a total set at 168.5. The odds indicated a competitive matchup, reflecting the close nature of the game as it unfolded. The Lynx were listed at -175 for the moneyline, while the Valkyries were at +145.
As the game progressed, it became evident that both teams were evenly matched, with neither side able to establish a significant lead. The fourth quarter proved to be particularly thrilling, with the Lynx managing to hold off a late surge from the Valkyries. Key moments included Kayla McBride's crucial three-point jumper, which brought the score to 84-78 in favor of the Lynx. Tiffany Hayes and Cecilia Zandalasini made critical free throws for the Valkyries, narrowing the gap, but Minnesota's Courtney Williams responded with a vital pull-up jump shot to extend the lead to 86-82.
The final minutes were tense, with the Valkyries pushing hard to equalize. Hayes scored a two-foot shot, bringing the score to 84-86, but Williams sealed the game with a free throw, ensuring the Lynx's victory at 87-84. This game showcased the resilience and determination of both teams, particularly in the face of injuries and the pressure of a close contest.
Overall, this matchup highlighted the competitive nature of the WNBA, with the Lynx demonstrating their ability to secure a win in a challenging environment against a formidable opponent. The series continues to be closely contested, leaving fans eager for the next encounter.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | MIN -3.5 | 168.5 o -108 / u -112 | Golden State Valkyries +145 · Minnesota Lynx -175 |
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
- PointsOlivia Miles28Minnesota Lynx
- AssistsOlivia Miles7Minnesota Lynx
- ReboundsNatasha Howard10Minnesota Lynx
- PointsCecilia Zandalasini18Golden State Valkyries
- AssistsKaitlyn Chen5Golden State Valkyries
- ReboundsJanelle Salaun5Golden State Valkyries
Recent form
Minnesota Lynx
Last 10: 7-3Streak L288.6 scored · 85.3 allowed per game3-2 at home
- L81-89at Atlanta DreamAug 30
- L66-80vs Golden State ValkyriesAug 25
- W94-84at Washington MysticsAug 21
- W77-66at Golden State ValkyriesAug 20
- W92-87at Las Vegas AcesAug 16
- W85-81at Portland FireAug 13
- W103-90vs Dallas WingsAug 9
- W98-87vs Las Vegas AcesAug 8
- L82-89vs Los Angeles SparksAug 7
- W108-100vs Indiana FeverAug 2
Golden State Valkyries
Last 10: 8-2Streak W481.7 scored · 70.4 allowed per game6-1 away
- W86-69at Portland FireAug 30
- W79-60at New York LibertyAug 28
- W89-64at Connecticut SunAug 26
- W80-66at Minnesota LynxAug 25
- L70-73at Chicago SkyAug 21
- L66-77vs Minnesota LynxAug 20
- W78-70vs Dallas WingsAug 18
- W91-71vs Chicago SkyAug 13
- W84-78at Los Angeles SparksAug 9
- W94-76at Dallas WingsAug 8
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 | 30-76 | 29-73 |
| Field goal % | 39 | 40 |
| Three-pointers | 14-37 | 13-26 |
| Three-point % | 38 | 50 |
| Free throws | 10-10 | 16-19 |
| Free throw % | 100 | 84 |
| Rebounds | 31 | 43 |
| Offensive rebounds | 9 | 14 |
| Defensive rebounds | 22 | 29 |
| Assists | 21 | 18 |
| Steals | 6 | 4 |
| Blocks | 7 | 7 |
| Turnovers | 7 | 12 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 11 | 21 |
| Fast-break points | 7 | 8 |
| Points in the paint | 30 | 14 |
| Fouls | 18 | 15 |
| Largest lead | 7 | 6 |
| Lead changes | 9 | 9 |
| Time in front | 58 | 33 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter49-47Natasha Howard makes 1-foot layup (Olivia Miles assists)
- 3rd Quarter51-47Veronica Burton makes 11-foot two point shot
- 3rd Quarter52-47Kayla Thornton makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter53-47Kayla Thornton makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter53-49Courtney Williams makes 19-foot pullup jump shot (Olivia Miles assists)
- 3rd Quarter53-50Natasha Howard makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter55-50Veronica Burton makes 12-foot driving floating jump shot (Janelle Salaun assists)
- 3rd Quarter55-52Courtney Williams makes 16-foot pullup jump shot (Olivia Miles assists)
- 3rd Quarter58-52Janelle Salaun makes 24-foot three point jumper (Kaitlyn Chen assists)
- 3rd Quarter58-54Olivia Miles makes two point shot
- 3rd Quarter58-56Natasha Howard makes two point shot
- 3rd Quarter60-56Tiffany Hayes makes 4-foot two point shot
- 3rd Quarter60-59Olivia Miles makes 24-foot three pointer
- 3rd Quarter63-59Janelle Salaun makes 23-foot three point step back jumpshot (Tiffany Hayes assists)
- 3rd Quarter66-59Janelle Salaun makes 26-foot three point jumper (Kaitlyn Chen assists)
- 3rd Quarter66-60Kayla McBride makes technical free throw
- 3rd Quarter66-63Kayla McBride makes 23-foot three point jumper (Nia Coffey assists)
- 3rd Quarter66-65Anastasiia Olairi Kosu makes 2-foot layup (Olivia Miles assists)
- 4th Quarter68-65Janelle Salaun makes 2-foot two point shot (Kaitlyn Chen assists)
- 4th Quarter68-66Anastasiia Olairi Kosu makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter68-67Anastasiia Olairi Kosu makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter70-67Cecilia Zandalasini makes 8-foot turnaround jump shot
- 4th Quarter70-70Nia Coffey makes 22-foot three point jumper (Olivia Miles assists)
- 4th Quarter72-70Tiffany Hayes makes driving layup (Janelle Salaun assists)
- 4th Quarter75-70Cecilia Zandalasini makes 23-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 4th Quarter75-73Olivia Miles makes 24-foot three point jumper (Nia Coffey assists)
- 4th Quarter75-75Courtney Williams makes 14-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter75-77Courtney Williams makes 20-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter75-79Courtney Williams makes 20-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter75-80Natasha Howard makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter75-81Natasha Howard makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter78-81Cecilia Zandalasini makes 27-foot three pointer
- 4th Quarter78-84Kayla McBride makes 23-foot three point jumper (Nia Coffey assists)
- 4th Quarter79-84Tiffany Hayes makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter80-84Tiffany Hayes makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter81-84Cecilia Zandalasini makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter82-84Cecilia Zandalasini makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter82-86Courtney Williams makes 12-foot pullup jump shot (Nia Coffey assists)
- 4th Quarter84-86Tiffany Hayes makes 2-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter84-87Courtney Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Minnesota Lynx, below favours Golden State Valkyries.
Venue
- Target CenterMinneapolis, MN
- Attendance9105
- OfficialsAngel Kent, Toni Patillo, Tyler Mirkovich
Elsewhere
- 2026 FIBA Women's World Cup: Team USA analysis, rankings, rosters
- Why are there no WNBA games for two weeks? More about FIBA break
- 2026 WNBA championship odds: Lynx still odds-on title favorites; Aces, Valkyries next
- U.S. coach Kara Lawson calls World Cup most challenging
- Sky's Skylar Diggins (knee) to miss remainder of season
- WNBA Power Rankings: Lynx dethroned, Sparks bump up
- Lauren Jackson on A'ja Wilson: 'There'd be battles, for sure'
- How A'ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum injuries impact USA at World Cup
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 Nail-Biting FinishSep 17, 2025
- Minnesota Lynx Dominate Golden State Valkyries 101-72Sep 14, 2025