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WNBA · Final

Valkyries Defeat Lynx in Upset Victory

Golden State Valkyries
Golden State Valkyries26-11
80
Minnesota Lynx
Minnesota Lynx31-8
66

Monday, August 24, 2026, 8:00 PM ET · Target Center

Golden State Valkyries 80, Minnesota Lynx 66, 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?

Golden State Valkyries beat Minnesota Lynx 80-66 at Target Center on August 24, 2026.

Who was favored in Golden State Valkyries vs Minnesota Lynx?

Minnesota Lynx were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -205 (about 67% implied). The underdog won.

In a surprising turn of events, the Golden State Valkyries triumphed over the Minnesota Lynx with a final score of 80-66 at the Target Center on August 25, 2026. This victory marks a significant moment for the Valkyries, who have struggled in their recent matchups against the Lynx, having lost the last three encounters prior to this game.

The Lynx entered this matchup with an impressive home record of 31-8 and were riding a six-game winning streak, scoring an average of 94.3 points per game while allowing 84.9 points over their last ten games. Their recent form had been strong, with a record of 9-1 in their last ten games, including a recent victory against the Valkyries just five days prior, where they won 77-66. Conversely, the Valkyries, with a record of 26-11, had been less consistent, going 6-4 in their last ten games and entering the contest on a two-game losing streak. They averaged 84.2 points scored and 78.6 points allowed during that stretch.

At home, the Lynx had a solid record of 4-1 in their last five games, while the Valkyries had a mixed away record of 2-2. The matchup was particularly notable as the Lynx had won the series against the Valkyries 3-1 in previous meetings, with the home team dominating the encounters.

In terms of injuries, both teams faced significant challenges. The Lynx were without Elena Buenavida, Antonia Delaere, and Dorka Juhasz, all ruled out for various non-injury-related reasons. The Valkyries were also missing key players, including Cecilia Zandalasini, Janelle Salaun, Gabby Williams, and Iliana Rupert, all out for non-injury-related reasons as well. These absences likely impacted the dynamics of the game for both teams.

The betting lines prior to the game, provided by DraftKings, indicated the Lynx as 4.5-point favorites, with a total set at 161.5 points. The odds reflected the Lynx's strong home performance and historical success against the Valkyries.

As the game progressed, the Valkyries established a commanding lead, highlighted by a series of scoring plays in the fourth quarter. Natasha Howard's free throw and Cecilia Zandalasini's fadeaway jump shot extended their lead, while the Lynx struggled to keep pace. Dorka Juhasz and Chloe Bibby attempted to close the gap with late three-pointers, but it was not enough to overcome the Valkyries' momentum.

The conditions of the game were competitive, with both teams showcasing their skills, but the Valkyries' ability to capitalize on their scoring opportunities ultimately led them to victory. The Lynx's home crowd was left stunned as they witnessed their team's inability to secure a win in a crucial matchup.

As the WNBA season progresses, the Valkyries will look to build on this victory, while the Lynx will need to regroup and address their recent struggles to remain competitive in the league.

Odds

BookSpreadTotalMoneyline
DraftKingsMIN -4.5 161.5 o -112 / u -108 Golden State Valkyries +170 · Minnesota Lynx -205

What these prices pay on $100 · What these numbers mean

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

  • PointsNatasha Howard13Minnesota Lynx
  • AssistsOlivia Miles5Minnesota Lynx
  • ReboundsNatasha Howard7Minnesota Lynx
  • PointsCecilia Zandalasini18Golden State Valkyries
  • AssistsVeronica Burton9Golden State Valkyries
  • ReboundsKiah Stokes9Golden State Valkyries

Recent form

Minnesota Lynx

Last 10: 9-1Streak W694.3 scored · 84.9 allowed per game4-1 at home

  • 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
  • W104-72at Toronto TempoJul 31
  • W100-93vs Toronto TempoJul 29

Golden State Valkyries

Last 10: 6-4Streak L284.2 scored · 78.6 allowed per game2-2 away

  • 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
  • W92-81vs Toronto TempoAug 5
  • W96-79vs Toronto TempoAug 3
  • L89-91at Phoenix MercuryJul 30
  • L82-90vs Washington MysticsJul 21

Standings

TeamGames behindLostStreakWin %Won
Minnesota-9L2.77531
Golden State211W4.72529
Las Vegas413W3.67527
Dallas716W4.60024
Portland1524L1.40016
Los Angeles1625W2.37515
Phoenix1726W1.35014
Seattle2332L1.2008

Box score

StatGolden State ValkyriesMinnesota Lynx
Field goals31-7121-59
Field goal %4436
Three-pointers12-3310-30
Three-point %3633
Free throws6-814-18
Free throw %7578
Rebounds3132
Offensive rebounds116
Defensive rebounds2026
Assists2318
Steals122
Blocks44
Turnovers617
Team turnovers31
Technical fouls00
Technical fouls, total00
Flagrant fouls00
Points off turnovers321
Fast-break points43
Points in the paint2420
Fouls1611
Largest lead198
Lead changes55
Time in front6526

How the scoring went

  1. 3rd Quarter36-35Natasha Howard makes free throw 1 of 2
  2. 3rd Quarter36-36Natasha Howard makes free throw 2 of 2
  3. 3rd Quarter37-36Cecilia Zandalasini makes free throw 1 of 2
  4. 3rd Quarter38-36Cecilia Zandalasini makes free throw 2 of 2
  5. 3rd Quarter40-36Tiffany Hayes makes 2-foot two point shot
  6. 3rd Quarter42-36Cecilia Zandalasini makes 9-foot turnaround jump shot (Janelle Salaun assists)
  7. 3rd Quarter42-38Olivia Miles makes driving layup
  8. 3rd Quarter42-40Olivia Miles makes driving layup (Napheesa Collier assists)
  9. 3rd Quarter43-40Tiffany Hayes makes free throw 1 of 2
  10. 3rd Quarter44-40Tiffany Hayes makes free throw 2 of 2
  11. 3rd Quarter44-42Chloe Bibby makes 14-foot driving floating jump shot (Kayla McBride assists)
  12. 3rd Quarter46-42Kiah Stokes makes tip shot
  13. 3rd Quarter49-42Tiffany Hayes makes 24-foot three point jumper (Kiah Stokes assists)
  14. 3rd Quarter49-43Kayla McBride makes free throw 1 of 2
  15. 3rd Quarter49-44Kayla McBride makes free throw 2 of 2
  16. 3rd Quarter52-44Janelle Salaun makes 23-foot three pointer (Gabby Williams assists)
  17. 3rd Quarter54-44Gabby Williams makes 17-foot pullup jump shot (Tiffany Hayes assists)
  18. 3rd Quarter54-45Kayla McBride makes free throw 1 of 2
  19. 3rd Quarter54-46Kayla McBride makes free throw 2 of 2
  20. 3rd Quarter54-48Nia Coffey makes 8-foot two point shot (Antonia Delaere assists)
  21. 3rd Quarter55-48Gabby Williams makes free throw 2 of 2
  22. 4th Quarter58-48Janelle Salaun makes 22-foot three point jumper (Kaitlyn Chen assists)
  23. 4th Quarter58-49Kayla McBride makes free throw 1 of 2
  24. 4th Quarter58-50Kayla McBride makes free throw 2 of 2
  25. 4th Quarter58-51Natasha Howard makes free throw 2 of 2
  26. 4th Quarter61-51Veronica Burton makes 27-foot three point jumper (Cecilia Zandalasini assists)
  27. 4th Quarter61-54Kayla McBride makes 26-foot three point jumper (Olivia Miles assists)
  28. 4th Quarter63-54Veronica Burton makes driving layup
  29. 4th Quarter63-57Napheesa Collier makes 24-foot three point jumper (Kayla McBride assists)
  30. 4th Quarter65-57Veronica Burton makes 17-foot step back jumpshot
  31. 4th Quarter68-57Gabby Williams makes 25-foot three pointer (Janelle Salaun assists)
  32. 4th Quarter71-57Cecilia Zandalasini makes 25-foot three point step back jumpshot (Veronica Burton assists)
  33. 4th Quarter71-58Natasha Howard makes free throw 2 of 2
  34. 4th Quarter74-58Cecilia Zandalasini makes 27-foot fade away jump shot
  35. 4th Quarter75-58Gabby Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
  36. 4th Quarter77-58Cecilia Zandalasini makes driving layup
  37. 4th Quarter77-61Dorka Juhasz makes 26-foot three point jumper (Eliska Joklova assists)
  38. 4th Quarter77-64Chloe Bibby makes 23-foot three point jumper (Eliska Joklova assists)
  39. 4th Quarter80-64Gabby Williams makes 25-foot three point jumper (Veronica Burton assists)
  40. 4th Quarter80-66Dorka Juhasz makes driving layup (Eliska Joklova assists)

Win probability

Above the line favours Minnesota Lynx, below favours Golden State Valkyries.

Venue

  • Target CenterMinneapolis, MN
  • Attendance16001
  • OfficialsAmy Bonner, Isaac Barnett, Sarah Williams

Elsewhere

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Fixture data from the league feeds. The report was written from the recorded facts for this game and nothing else.