Lynx Defeat Valkyries in WNBA Showdown
Wednesday, August 19, 2026, 10:00 PM ET · Chase Center
Minnesota Lynx 77, Golden State Valkyries 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 Minnesota Lynx vs Golden State Valkyries?
Minnesota Lynx beat Golden State Valkyries 77-66 at Chase Center on August 19, 2026.
Who was favored in Minnesota Lynx vs Golden State Valkyries?
Minnesota Lynx were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -135 (about 57% implied). The favorite won.
The Minnesota Lynx secured a victory against the Golden State Valkyries with a final score of 77-66 in a WNBA matchup held at Chase Center. This win allowed the Lynx to extend their dominance over the Valkyries, improving their series record to 4-1 against them.
Minnesota entered the game with a strong away record of 30-7, showcasing their ability to perform on the road. They had been in excellent form, winning four consecutive games leading up to this matchup, with an average of 96.3 points scored and 87.7 points allowed in their last ten games. Their recent performance included a notable win against the Las Vegas Aces, where they triumphed 92-87 just days before facing the Valkyries.
On the other hand, the Golden State Valkyries, boasting a home record of 25-10, had also been performing well, with an impressive streak of six consecutive wins. Their last ten games yielded an 8-2 record, with an average of 86.8 points scored and 78.0 points allowed. Their most recent victory came against the Dallas Wings, where they won 78-70.
The matchup was marked by significant injuries affecting both teams. The Valkyries were without key players Cecilia Zandalasini, Janelle Salaun, Gabby Williams, and Iliana Rupert, all ruled out for reasons not related to injury. The Lynx also faced challenges, missing Elena Buenavida due to a coach's decision and Antonia Delaere and Dorka Juhasz for reasons not related to injury.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, listed the Lynx as 1.5-point favorites, with a total set at 162.5 points. The odds reflected the Lynx's strong performance throughout the season, as they were priced at -135 on the moneyline, while the Valkyries were at +114.
As the game progressed, the Lynx capitalized on their scoring opportunities, particularly in the fourth quarter. Key plays included a 27-foot three-point jumper by Kayla McBride, which extended their lead to 72-61. Additionally, Napheesa Collier contributed significantly, making crucial free throws to maintain their advantage. The Valkyries attempted to rally, with Gabby Williams hitting a three-pointer and Janelle Salaun adding a two-point shot, but it was not enough to close the gap.
Overall, the Lynx's ability to execute in critical moments and their strong offensive performance ultimately led to their victory, solidifying their position as one of the top teams in the league.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | MIN -1.5 | 162.5 o -108 / u -112 | Minnesota Lynx -135 · Golden State Valkyries +114 |
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
- PointsJanelle Salaun15Golden State Valkyries
- AssistsVeronica Burton7Golden State Valkyries
- ReboundsTiffany Hayes7Golden State Valkyries
- PointsOlivia Miles20Minnesota Lynx
- AssistsOlivia Miles7Minnesota Lynx
- ReboundsNapheesa Collier8Minnesota Lynx
Recent form
Golden State Valkyries
Last 10: 8-2Streak W686.8 scored · 78 allowed per game5-1 at home
- 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
- W74-69vs Washington MysticsJul 19
- W88-75at Indiana FeverJul 16
Minnesota Lynx
Last 10: 9-1Streak W496.3 scored · 87.7 allowed per game5-0 away
- 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
- W86-76at Seattle StormJul 22
- W105-102at Seattle StormJul 21
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 | 28-56 | 25-77 |
| Field goal % | 50 | 32 |
| Three-pointers | 7-19 | 7-37 |
| Three-point % | 37 | 19 |
| Free throws | 14-16 | 9-11 |
| Free throw % | 88 | 82 |
| Rebounds | 30 | 33 |
| Offensive rebounds | 5 | 13 |
| Defensive rebounds | 25 | 20 |
| Assists | 20 | 18 |
| Steals | 3 | 8 |
| Blocks | 4 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 14 | 9 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 9 | 11 |
| Fast-break points | 4 | 8 |
| Points in the paint | 30 | 30 |
| Fouls | 17 | 19 |
| Largest lead | 22 | 0 |
| Lead changes | 0 | 0 |
| Time in front | 98 | 0 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Quarter41-26Tiffany Hayes makes driving layup (Cecilia Zandalasini assists)
- 3rd Quarter43-26Olivia Miles makes 15-foot step back jumpshot
- 3rd Quarter45-26Natasha Howard makes 5-foot layup (Courtney Williams assists)
- 3rd Quarter47-26Olivia Miles makes 13-foot step back jumpshot
- 3rd Quarter47-28Veronica Burton makes 12-foot driving floating jump shot (Gabby Williams assists)
- 3rd Quarter49-28Natasha Howard makes layup (Courtney Williams assists)
- 3rd Quarter49-30Cecilia Zandalasini makes running layup
- 3rd Quarter52-30Kayla McBride makes 28-foot three point jumper (Olivia Miles assists)
- 3rd Quarter52-32Janelle Salaun makes 2-foot two point shot
- 3rd Quarter52-35Veronica Burton makes 28-foot three point jumper (Tiffany Hayes assists)
- 3rd Quarter52-36Cecilia Zandalasini makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter54-36Olivia Miles makes 6-foot two point shot
- 3rd Quarter54-39Janelle Salaun makes 25-foot three point jumper (Veronica Burton assists)
- 3rd Quarter54-41Veronica Burton makes 4-foot two point shot (Janelle Salaun assists)
- 4th Quarter54-44Janelle Salaun makes 27-foot three point jumper (Cecilia Zandalasini assists)
- 4th Quarter54-45Janelle Salaun makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter54-47Janelle Salaun makes two point shot (Veronica Burton assists)
- 4th Quarter56-47Kayla McBride makes 15-foot jumper (Courtney Williams assists)
- 4th Quarter56-49Tiffany Hayes makes 4-foot two point shot (Veronica Burton assists)
- 4th Quarter58-49Kayla McBride makes 7-foot two point shot (Olivia Miles assists)
- 4th Quarter61-49Olivia Miles makes 27-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 4th Quarter61-51Gabby Williams makes 3-foot two point shot (Veronica Burton assists)
- 4th Quarter61-52Gabby Williams makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter63-52Olivia Miles makes 19-foot pullup jump shot (Courtney Williams assists)
- 4th Quarter63-55Cecilia Zandalasini makes 26-foot three point jumper (Janelle Salaun assists)
- 4th Quarter65-55Napheesa Collier makes 4-foot layup (Natasha Howard assists)
- 4th Quarter65-57Janelle Salaun makes 18-foot pullup jump shot (Veronica Burton assists)
- 4th Quarter67-57Courtney Williams makes 15-foot pullup jump shot (Natasha Howard assists)
- 4th Quarter67-59Tiffany Hayes makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter68-59Napheesa Collier makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter69-59Napheesa Collier makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter69-61Gabby Williams makes 9-foot two point shot (Tiffany Hayes assists)
- 4th Quarter72-61Kayla McBride makes 27-foot three point jumper (Courtney Williams assists)
- 4th Quarter73-61Napheesa Collier makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter74-61Napheesa Collier makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter74-64Gabby Williams makes 26-foot three pointer (Veronica Burton assists)
- 4th Quarter74-66Janelle Salaun makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter75-66Kayla McBride makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter76-66Kayla McBride makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter77-66Kayla 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
- OfficialsMaj Forsberg, Randy Richardson, Angel Kent
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WNBA rules and settlement
These two, other days
- Valkyries Defeat Lynx in Upset VictoryAug 24, 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
- Minnesota Lynx Dominate Golden State Valkyries 101-72Sep 14, 2025