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WNBA · Final

Minnesota Lynx Edge Golden State Valkyries 78-72

Minnesota Lynx
Minnesota Lynx33-9
78
Golden State Valkyries
Golden State Valkyries23-19
72

Saturday, September 6, 2025, 8:30 PM ET · Chase Center

Minnesota Lynx 78, Golden State Valkyries 72, 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 Minnesota Lynx vs Golden State Valkyries?

Minnesota Lynx beat Golden State Valkyries 78-72 at Chase Center on September 6, 2025.

In a tightly contested matchup at Chase Center, the Minnesota Lynx secured a 78-72 victory over the Golden State Valkyries, marking their fifth consecutive win over the Valkyries in the series, which they now lead 4-0. The Lynx, with an impressive away record of 33-9, faced a Valkyries team that has been on a strong run, winning five straight games leading into this contest. Despite their recent form, the Valkyries struggled to overcome the Lynx, who have consistently outperformed them in previous meetings this season.

The Valkyries, who finished the regular season with a record of 23-19, showcased their resilience throughout the game. They had averaged 81.8 points in their last ten games while allowing 74.4 points, indicating a solid offensive and defensive balance. However, in this matchup, they fell short of their scoring average, ultimately managing only 72 points against a Lynx defense that has allowed an average of 81.6 points in their last ten outings.

In terms of home performance, the Valkyries had a home record of 4-2 in their last six games, contributing to their recent success. Their last five games saw them average 82.8 points while allowing 68.8, showcasing their ability to dominate at home. Conversely, the Lynx, despite their strong season, entered the game on a one-game losing streak, having lost their previous outing 87-97 to the Las Vegas Aces. Their recent form included a scoring average of 86.5 points, which they exceeded in this matchup.

The injury report played a significant role in this game, with the Valkyries missing key players Cecilia Zandalasini, Janelle Salaun, Gabby Williams, and Iliana Rupert, all out for reasons not related to injury. The Lynx also faced challenges, with Elena Buenavida out due to a coach's decision, and Antonia Delaere and Dorka Juhasz unavailable for non-injury-related reasons as well. These absences impacted both teams' rotations and strategies during the game.

The matchup was closely contested, with the Valkyries trailing by just three points at the end of the third quarter. However, the Lynx pulled ahead in the fourth quarter, highlighted by key scoring plays, including a three-point jumper from Iliana Rupert and free throws from Natisha Hiedeman that extended their lead. The Valkyries fought back with a driving layup from Veronica Burton, but the Lynx maintained their advantage, closing out the game effectively.

The market had set the odds for this matchup, reflecting the Lynx's strong season and the Valkyries' recent form. However, the final outcome demonstrated that the Lynx's experience and depth were pivotal in securing the win. The conditions at Chase Center were conducive to a competitive game, with both teams showcasing their skills in front of an engaged crowd.

Viewers should have noted the tactical adjustments made by both coaches, especially in the fourth quarter, where every possession became crucial. The Lynx's ability to capitalize on free throws and their defensive stops proved decisive in the final moments of the game. As the season progresses, both teams will look to build on this performance, with the Lynx aiming to extend their dominance in the series and the Valkyries seeking to bounce back from this setback.

Injury report

  • Cecilia ZandalasiniOutNot Injury RelatedGolden State Valkyries
  • Janelle SalaunOutNot Injury RelatedGolden State Valkyries
  • Gabby WilliamsOutNot Injury RelatedGolden State Valkyries
  • Iliana RupertOutNot Injury RelatedGolden State Valkyries
  • Elena BuenavidaOutCoach's DecisionMinnesota Lynx
  • Antonia DelaereOutNot Injury RelatedMinnesota Lynx
  • Dorka JuhaszOutNot Injury RelatedMinnesota Lynx

Leaders

  • PointsKaila Charles15Golden State Valkyries
  • AssistsVeronica Burton6Golden State Valkyries
  • ReboundsKaila Charles8Golden State Valkyries
  • PointsNatisha Hiedeman24Minnesota Lynx
  • AssistsCourtney Williams5Minnesota Lynx
  • ReboundsJessica Shepard13Minnesota Lynx

Recent form

Golden State Valkyries

Last 10: 7-3Streak W581.8 scored · 74.4 allowed per game4-2 at home

  • 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
  • W90-59at Chicago SkyAug 15
  • W88-83at Washington MysticsAug 13

Minnesota Lynx

Last 10: 6-4Streak L186.5 scored · 81.6 allowed per game3-3 away

  • 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
  • W86-80vs New York LibertyAug 16
  • W83-71at New York LibertyAug 10

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

StatMinnesota LynxGolden State Valkyries
Field goals26-6827-70
Field goal %3839
Three-pointers12-309-35
Three-point %4026
Free throws14-169-12
Free throw %8875
Rebounds3638
Offensive rebounds89
Defensive rebounds2829
Assists1716
Steals94
Blocks52
Turnovers1012
Team turnovers10
Technical fouls00
Technical fouls, total00
Flagrant fouls01
Points off turnovers1419
Fast-break points114
Points in the paint1434
Fouls1513
Largest lead97

How the scoring went

  1. 3rd Quarter37-41Courtney Williams makes 27-foot three point jumper (Bridget Carleton assists)
  2. 3rd Quarter37-44Kaila Charles makes 25-foot three point jumper (Janelle Salaun assists)
  3. 3rd Quarter39-44Kayla McBride makes 19-foot pullup jump shot (Napheesa Collier assists)
  4. 3rd Quarter39-46Kaila Charles makes driving layup
  5. 3rd Quarter41-46Courtney Williams makes 19-foot running pullup jump shot
  6. 3rd Quarter43-46Courtney Williams makes 19-foot running pullup jump shot
  7. 3rd Quarter43-48Janelle Salaun makes two point shot
  8. 3rd Quarter45-48Jessica Shepard makes layup (Natisha Hiedeman assists)
  9. 3rd Quarter45-50Iliana Rupert makes 2-foot layup (Kate Martin assists)
  10. 3rd Quarter45-51Janelle Salaun makes free throw 1 of 2
  11. 3rd Quarter45-52Janelle Salaun makes free throw 2 of 2
  12. 3rd Quarter48-52Napheesa Collier makes 28-foot three point jumper (Courtney Williams assists)
  13. 3rd Quarter50-52Jessica Shepard makes driving layup
  14. 3rd Quarter51-52Natisha Hiedeman makes free throw flagrant 1 of 3
  15. 3rd Quarter52-52Natisha Hiedeman makes free throw flagrant 2 of 3
  16. 3rd Quarter53-52Natisha Hiedeman makes free throw flagrant 3 of 3
  17. 3rd Quarter55-52Jessica Shepard makes two point shot
  18. 3rd Quarter58-52Natisha Hiedeman makes 27-foot three pointer
  19. 3rd Quarter61-52Natisha Hiedeman makes 26-foot running pullup jump shot (Courtney Williams assists)
  20. 4th Quarter61-54Veronica Burton makes 10-foot driving floating jump shot
  21. 4th Quarter61-55Veronica Burton makes free throw 1 of 1
  22. 4th Quarter61-58Iliana Rupert makes 25-foot three point step back jumpshot (Kaila Charles assists)
  23. 4th Quarter63-58Napheesa Collier makes 16-foot pullup jump shot
  24. 4th Quarter63-60Veronica Burton makes 18-foot pullup jump shot (Kaila Charles assists)
  25. 4th Quarter66-60Bridget Carleton makes 24-foot three point jumper (Jessica Shepard assists)
  26. 4th Quarter69-60Natisha Hiedeman makes 26-foot three pointer (Bridget Carleton assists)
  27. 4th Quarter69-62Monique Billings makes 2-foot layup (Veronica Burton assists)
  28. 4th Quarter70-62Bridget Carleton makes free throw 2 of 2
  29. 4th Quarter70-65Veronica Burton makes 25-foot three point step back jumpshot
  30. 4th Quarter70-66Veronica Burton makes free throw 2 of 2
  31. 4th Quarter71-66Napheesa Collier makes free throw 1 of 2
  32. 4th Quarter72-66Napheesa Collier makes free throw 2 of 2
  33. 4th Quarter72-69Iliana Rupert makes 25-foot three point jumper (Kaila Charles assists)
  34. 4th Quarter73-69Natisha Hiedeman makes free throw 1 of 2
  35. 4th Quarter74-69Natisha Hiedeman makes free throw 2 of 2
  36. 4th Quarter74-71Veronica Burton makes driving layup
  37. 4th Quarter74-72Veronica Burton makes free throw 1 of 1
  38. 4th Quarter76-72Napheesa Collier makes 10-foot two point shot (Kayla McBride assists)
  39. 4th Quarter77-72Kayla McBride makes free throw 1 of 2
  40. 4th Quarter78-72Kayla McBride makes free throw 2 of 2

Win probability

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

Venue

  • Chase CenterSan Francisco, CA
  • Attendance18064
  • OfficialsRoy Gulbeyan, Gina Cross, Tim Greene

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