SAN FRANCISCO — — Olivia Miles had 20 factors, seven assists and 5 rebounds earlier than leaving halfway by means of the fourth quarter with a left ankle harm, and the Minnesota Lynx ran away early from the Golden State Valkyries earlier than holding on for a 77-66 win Wednesday night time in a matchup of the WNBA’s prime groups.
Kayla McBride additionally scored 20 for the Lynx and did Stephen Curry’s signature “night night” gesture after a late 3-pointer at Chase Center, residence to Curry’s Warriors. Napheesa Collier added 18 factors and eight rebounds for the league-best Lynx.
Miles, Minnesota’s standout rookie who shot 8 of 10 from the sector, turned her ankle when she stepped on Collier’s foot. She limped off the court docket and went to the locker room briefly earlier than returning to the bench space.
Veronica Burton had 14 factors and 7 assists for the cold-shooting Valkyries (25-10), who’ve but to beat Minnesota in seven conferences. The top-seeded Lynx swept the expansion Valkyries within the first spherical of the 2025 playoffs.
Janelle Salaun’s 3-pointer with 9:41 left pulled the Valkyries inside 54-44, and he or she made one free throw the subsequent time down earlier than a layup with 8:18 remaining that reduce the result in 54-47. But Golden State did not get sufficient defensive stops in crunch time.
The Valkyries’ Kaila Charles left within the fourth after she took a success to the attention.
The Lynx (30-7) have gained 5 straight and 15 of 16, bettering to 11-1 on the highway in opposition to the Western Conference.
Golden State began 5 of 27 in entrance of a raucous, sellout crowd. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced Tuesday that the world and Valkyries will host the 2027 All-Star Game.
The Valkyries (25-10) had their six-game successful streak snapped with simply their second loss in 17 video games. They clinched a playoff berth with Monday’s 78-70 win over Dallas.
Golden State shot 4 for 17 within the first quarter, lacking 5 of its six 3-point makes an attempt, then started 1 of 12 to start out the second as Minnesota jumped to a 35-18 lead and opened the second quarter with a 7-0 burst on the way in which to a 41-26 halftime benefit.
The Valkyries sometimes discover their offensive rhythm from their protection, however by no means bought in sync on both finish. They shot 2 of 14 from deep within the first half and seven for 37 general — 1 for 7 by main scorer Gabby Williams, who was held to 10 factors on 4-for-15 taking pictures.
Lynx: At Washington on Friday night time.
Valkyries: Visit Chicago on Friday night time.
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