The Golden State Valkyries roared into the playoffs in their first WNBA season, showing that they were anything but just another expansion team that takes years or even a decade to get its footing. But the Minnesota Lynx brought the Valkyries’ astonishing win streak to a screeching halt, winning the 2025 first-round playoff matchup in four straight games.
Nevertheless, the league leaders and four-time champions had to dig deep to secure an extraordinary ‘comeback win.’ And just after their brilliant victory, Napheesa Collier recounted head coach Cheryl Reeve’s inspiring pep talk, which ignited the team’s legendary victory.
Minnesota Lynx Defeat Golden State Valkyries In Do-or-die Game
Target Center was the Lynx’s stronghold, and they comfortably won the first game against the Bay Area team by 29 points. While many expected similar hammering from the league leaders, the Valkyries responded with strong defensive gameplay, holding off the contenders to just 49 points in the first three quarters.
Although it was a home game, as per the schedule, for the Golden State side, the Valkyries had to play their first playoff game away from the Chase Center due to a scheduling conflict. But the fans turned out in numbers showing their support for Natalie Nakase’s record-setting team.
The Lynx players, on the other hand, were stunned by the offensive lapses in the first three quarters but recollected themselves to score 26 points (nearly half of their first three-quarter total) and hold off the opposition to 11 points, sealing a nerve-wracking 75-74 win.
DEFYING THE ODDS. pic.twitter.com/8cW4CpJ9Ww
— Minnesota Lynx (@minnesotalynx) September 18, 2025
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The hosts had the final shot in the game, but Cecilia Zandalasini missed the 17-foot jumper, handing the Lynx a win at the final whistle. The Minnesota Lynx was 0-76 when trailing by at least 14 points entering the fourth quarter in both playoffs and regular-season games. With the win, Collier and co. broke that streak and advanced to the semifinal.
Who Will Minnesota Lynx Next Face?
The Lynx set a record for most regular-season wins behind consistent gameplay and depth in their roster. They continued their dominance in the postseason, winning with a clean sweep against the gritty Valkyries. Kayla McBride and Collier remained the team’s offensive powerhouse, as Courtney Williams and DiJonai Carrington chipped in with important baskets.
The side will now face the winner of the series between the New York Liberty and the Phoenix Mercury. The fourth-seeded Mercury recorded a scintillating win at the Barclays Center (by 26 points) and narrowly lost the opening game at home.
The Liberty team is struggling with Breanna Stewart’s injury, while the Mercury team looks completely healthy and in control of the series despite losing Game 1. The PHX arena will host the eliminator game on September 19, and the winner will play against the Lynx at the Target Center on September 21.