Lynx Secure 16th WNBA Win Over Valkyries With Dominant Defense

The Minnesota Lynx continued to assert themselves as one of the top teams in the WNBA with a strong 82-71 victory over the Golden State Valkyries at the Target Center. Despite a slow start and trailing by two points late in the third quarter, the Lynx rallied with a dominant 21-4 run, fueled by Napheesa Collier's 22 points, including 14 during that critical stretch, and Kayla McBride's 12 points and playmaking. The defense played a crucial role, holding the Valkyries without a field goal for nearly eight minutes in the fourth quarter, enabling a decisive 19-2 run that secured the win. Alanna Smith's early exit due to a knee injury did not derail the Lynx, who maintained their composure and continued to capitalize on scoring opportunities. The Valkyries showed resilience with a mid-game surge, taking a brief lead in the third quarter, but ultimately could not overcome the Lynx's offensive efficiency and defensive pressure. Minnesota improved to 16-2, solidifying their status as a leading contender, while Golden State, in their inaugural WNBA season, remains competitive but still finding their footing.