Golden State Valkyries Clamp Down Defensively to Beat Lynx 80-66

The Golden State Valkyries turned defense into their biggest weapon Monday night, holding the Minnesota Lynx to a season-low 66 points in an 80-66 road victory at Target Center.

Golden State led 17-16 after the opening quarter and 34-32 at halftime before creating separation in the second half. The Valkyries outscored Minnesota 21-16 in the third quarter and 25-18 in the fourth, pulling away for a 14-point victory.

The defensive effort was the story throughout the night. Golden State forced 18 Minnesota turnovers while committing just six, turning those Lynx miscues into 21 points. Minnesota shot just 35.6 percent from the field, going 21-for-59.

The Valkyries also limited Minnesota’s offense to 66 points, the first time the Lynx had been held below 70 points since June 24, 2025. Golden State has now held opponents to 70 points or fewer in 11 games this season, according to the team.

Head coach Natalie Nakase credited the team’s execution of its defensive game plan.

“It was about us just focusing on the attention to detail. We talked about bringing a different game plan, so credit to our coaches. Landon [Tatum], it was his scout, but more importantly the girls executed it. We did it all four quarters, so this was a huge leap for us…. Keeping that team [Minnesota] to 66 [points]. That’s a very talented team, they’re number one for a reason. So really proud to keep them to 66.”

Veronica Burton helped set the tone on both ends of the floor. She finished with 14 points, nine assists and five steals, tying her career high in steals. Burton also committed just one turnover. Her nine assists helped Golden State control the game while maintaining pressure on Minnesota throughout the night.

Burton said the road win was particularly important as the Valkyries continue preparing for the postseason.

“It feels good. Getting any win on the road, I think at this point in the season, feels good. [We’re] Just trying to gear up for playoff basketball. I think the way we did it and the way we made adjustments, obviously just seeing them less than a week ago, so it feels good. But a lot to build off of this one.”

Cecilia Zandalasini led all scorers with 18 points, including 14 in the second half. After starting the game 0-for-5, Zandalasini found her rhythm and became one of Golden State’s biggest offensive weapons down the stretch.

She scored eight points in the fourth quarter, including two 3-pointers, as the Valkyries closed out the victory.

Nakase said Zandalasini’s ability to remain composed was critical.

“That’s Ceci [Zandalasini], I actually didn’t even know she was 0-5 [to start]. We think every shot she shoots goes in… Ceci is one of our closers, she’s our most composed, [an] offensive threat. I think it’s just another day for Ceci. But the way she closed tonight, shooting those difficult end-of-the-clock shots, those were huge, and it definitely gave us a lot of confidence to close.”

Gabby Williams finished with 15 points, five rebounds and two steals while posting a team-best plus-10. Seven of her points came in the fourth quarter as Golden State continued to extend its advantage.

Janelle Salaün added 12 points, five rebounds and three assists off the bench, while Tiffany Hayes contributed 14 points and four assists. Hayes has now scored in double figures in six consecutive games and is averaging 13.7 points per game over that stretch.

The Valkyries’ defensive focus was particularly evident in how they handled Minnesota’s top offensive threats.

Napheesa Collier was held to nine points on 4-of-10 shooting, while Olivia Miles finished with eight points after entering the game averaging 20.0 points per game. Miles also committed four turnovers.

Nakase specifically pointed to Kiah Stokes’ defense against Collier.

“We put a couple of people on her [Napheesa Collier]. I thought Kiah Stokes just did a phenomenal job. I know she’s had a lot of reps in terms of guarding her. But in Kiah’s lane, she moves her feet really well, and then, more importantly, defending without fouling; and then she did an amazing job boarding. So just credit to Kiah just being a one-man protection down there for us because Phee’s an incredible scorer. She can score at all three levels. Kiah Stokes did a great job.”

Golden State’s defensive pressure also forced Minnesota out of its comfort zone. The Lynx committed 17 turnovers through the first three quarters before finishing with 18, while the Valkyries committed only six total turnovers.

Zandalasini said the Valkyries made adjustments after facing Minnesota less than a week earlier.

“We made adjustments since the previous games against them. I think we were really locked in. Everybody was on the same page, and the effort was there. I think we caught them a little bit off guard, and so we were able to get those deflections.”

The victory also reflected the level of focus required to defeat the league’s top team.

“They are number one team, so if you want to beat them, you have to [have] attention to details, the effort needs to be there, the energy, because as soon as you make a mistake, they make you pay, especially at home. So I think we were really locked in on that and very focused on our things today,” Zandalasini said.

Golden State’s 80 points came on 31-of-71 shooting, including 12-of-33 from three-point range. The Valkyries also held advantages in points in the paint and forced Minnesota into a difficult shooting night throughout the contest.

With the victory, Golden State moves forward with another strong defensive performance to build on as the regular season winds down.

Up Next

The Valkyries visit Connecticut to face the Sun on Wednesday, August 26, tipping off at 4:00 p.m. PT on KPIX, KOVR and the Audacy App.