Lynx Edge Valkyries in Nail-Biting Finish
Wednesday, September 17, 2025, 10:00 PM ET · SAP Center at San Jose
Minnesota Lynx 75, Golden State Valkyries 74, 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 75-74 at SAP Center at San Jose on September 17, 2025.
In a thrilling contest at the SAP Center at San Jose, the Minnesota Lynx narrowly defeated the Golden State Valkyries with a final score of 75-74. This match was significant as it marked the Lynx's continued dominance over the Valkyries, extending their winning streak in the series to 5-0. The game showcased the competitive spirit of both teams, with Minnesota improving their record to 35-10 while Golden State fell to 23-22.
The Valkyries entered this game struggling with recent form, having lost their last four matches. Their last ten games yielded a record of 5-5, with an average of 75.6 points scored and 75.0 points allowed. In contrast, the Lynx came into the game with a stronger recent performance, winning 7 of their last 10 games, averaging 87.1 points scored and allowing 78.5 points per game. Minnesota's current form includes a two-game winning streak, indicating they were in better shape heading into this matchup.
Home and away performances also highlighted the disparity between the two teams. The Valkyries had a home record of 4-1 in their last five home games, but their overall performance was marred by their away struggles, where they managed only one win in five attempts. The Lynx, on the other hand, had a balanced away record of 3-2 in their last five away games, showcasing their ability to perform on the road.
In terms of injuries, the Valkyries were significantly impacted, with four players—Cecilia Zandalasini, Janelle Salaun, Gabby Williams, and Iliana Rupert—ruled out for this game due to non-injury-related issues. The Lynx also faced some challenges with Elena Buenavida, Antonia Delaere, and Dorka Juhasz out, but their depth allowed them to maintain a competitive edge.
The betting market reflected the Lynx's favored status, with odds indicating a strong likelihood of a Minnesota victory. The odds were attributed to a leading provider, underscoring the Lynx's position as one of the top teams in the league.
As the game unfolded, viewers witnessed a tense fourth quarter. The Valkyries led at various points, but the Lynx fought back, with key plays from Napheesa Collier, who scored crucial baskets, including an 18-foot jumper that brought Minnesota within striking distance. The final moments were marked by back-and-forth scoring, with the Lynx ultimately sealing their victory with a clutch jump shot from Courtney Williams.
This matchup not only highlighted the ongoing rivalry between the two teams but also showcased the resilience of the Lynx as they continue to assert their dominance in the league.
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
- PointsMonique Billings15Golden State Valkyries
- AssistsVeronica Burton9Golden State Valkyries
- ReboundsVeronica Burton6Golden State Valkyries
- PointsNapheesa Collier24Minnesota Lynx
- AssistsCourtney Williams7Minnesota Lynx
- ReboundsNapheesa Collier7Minnesota Lynx
Recent form
Golden State Valkyries
Last 10: 5-5Streak L475.6 scored · 75 allowed per game4-1 at home
- L72-101at Minnesota LynxSep 14
- L53-72at Minnesota LynxSep 12
- 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
Minnesota Lynx
Last 10: 7-3Streak W287.1 scored · 78.5 allowed per game3-2 away
- W101-72vs Golden State ValkyriesSep 14
- W72-53vs Golden State ValkyriesSep 12
- 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
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 | Minnesota Lynx | Golden State Valkyries |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 31-67 | 28-64 |
| Field goal % | 46 | 44 |
| Three-pointers | 8-28 | 11-22 |
| Three-point % | 29 | 50 |
| Free throws | 5-10 | 7-9 |
| Free throw % | 50 | 78 |
| Rebounds | 29 | 28 |
| Offensive rebounds | 7 | 6 |
| Defensive rebounds | 22 | 22 |
| Assists | 22 | 22 |
| Steals | 6 | 8 |
| Blocks | 5 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 12 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 4 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 2 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 2 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 20 | 14 |
| Fast-break points | 2 | 9 |
| Points in the paint | 24 | 30 |
| Fouls | 16 | 14 |
| Largest lead | 5 | 17 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Quarter28-41Napheesa Collier makes 13-foot pullup jump shot (Courtney Williams assists)
- 3rd Quarter28-42Veronica Burton makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter28-43Veronica Burton makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter28-45Cecilia Zandalasini makes 6-foot driving floating jump shot (Veronica Burton assists)
- 3rd Quarter31-45Bridget Carleton makes 24-foot three point jumper (Courtney Williams assists)
- 3rd Quarter31-47Veronica Burton makes driving layup
- 3rd Quarter34-47Bridget Carleton makes 25-foot three point jumper (Napheesa Collier assists)
- 3rd Quarter34-50Veronica Burton makes 24-foot three point jumper (Iliana Rupert assists)
- 3rd Quarter36-50Kayla McBride makes driving layup
- 3rd Quarter37-50Kayla McBride makes free throw 1 of 1
- 3rd Quarter40-50Bridget Carleton makes 24-foot three point jumper (Courtney Williams assists)
- 3rd Quarter42-50Napheesa Collier makes driving layup (Courtney Williams assists)
- 3rd Quarter42-53Cecilia Zandalasini makes 24-foot three point jumper (Veronica Burton assists)
- 3rd Quarter42-55Monique Billings makes 7-foot layup (Veronica Burton assists)
- 3rd Quarter44-55Kayla McBride makes 20-foot pullup jump shot
- 3rd Quarter45-55Napheesa Collier makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter45-58Janelle Salaun makes 25-foot three point jumper (Veronica Burton assists)
- 3rd Quarter47-58Napheesa Collier makes 17-foot jumper (Natisha Hiedeman assists)
- 3rd Quarter47-59Janelle Salaun makes free throw 1 of 3
- 3rd Quarter47-60Janelle Salaun makes free throw 3 of 3
- 3rd Quarter49-60Napheesa Collier makes 18-foot jumper (Kayla McBride assists)
- 3rd Quarter49-62Monique Billings makes two point shot
- 3rd Quarter49-63Monique Billings makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter51-63Napheesa Collier makes 17-foot jumper
- 4th Quarter53-63Natisha Hiedeman makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter56-63DiJonai Carrington makes 29-foot jump bank shot (Napheesa Collier assists)
- 4th Quarter58-63Kayla McBride makes 13-foot driving floating jump shot (Natisha Hiedeman assists)
- 4th Quarter60-63Kayla McBride makes 7-foot two point shot (Napheesa Collier assists)
- 4th Quarter60-65Cecilia Zandalasini makes 11-foot step back jumpshot
- 4th Quarter60-68Kaila Charles makes 23-foot three point shot (Veronica Burton assists)
- 4th Quarter63-68Bridget Carleton makes 23-foot three point jumper (Kayla McBride assists)
- 4th Quarter63-70Iliana Rupert makes layup (Janelle Salaun assists)
- 4th Quarter65-70Napheesa Collier makes 18-foot jumper (Natisha Hiedeman assists)
- 4th Quarter66-70Napheesa Collier makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter69-70DiJonai Carrington makes 23-foot three point jumper (Natisha Hiedeman assists)
- 4th Quarter71-70Kayla McBride makes 7-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter71-72Monique Billings makes tip shot
- 4th Quarter73-72Napheesa Collier makes 18-foot jumper (Natisha Hiedeman assists)
- 4th Quarter75-72Courtney Williams makes 17-foot pullup jump shot (Bridget Carleton assists)
- 4th Quarter75-74Cecilia Zandalasini makes 3-foot layup (Iliana Rupert assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours Golden State Valkyries, below favours Minnesota Lynx.
Venue
- SAP Center at San JoseSan Jose, CA
- Attendance18543
- OfficialsRoy Gulbeyan, Gina Cross, Tim Greene, Clare Simmons
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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
- Minnesota Lynx Dominate Golden State Valkyries 101-72Sep 14, 2025