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The Golden State Valkyries secured their first-ever regular-season victory against the Minnesota Lynx on Monday night, defeating the defending champions 80-66 in Minneapolis. Cecilia Zandalasini paced the Valkyries with 18 points, including eight in the decisive fourth quarter, while Gabby Williams contributed 15 points to the dominant defensive effort.
Golden State entered the matchup winless in nine previous meetings against Minnesota dating back to the franchise’s 2025 WNBA entry, both in regular-season and playoff contests. The Valkyries (26-11) seized control in the final quarter by executing a devastating 14-1 run that extended their advantage to 77-58, with Zandalasini draining consecutive three-pointers to put the game out of reach.
Veronica Burton orchestrated the offense with 14 points and nine assists, while Tiffany Hayes added 14 points and Janelle Salaun scored 12 off the bench for Golden State. Minnesota’s Natasha Howard led the Lynx with 13 points, though the team struggled offensively with key contributors like Napheesa Collier limited to nine points on inefficient 4-of-10 shooting.
The Lynx (31-8) played without starting guard Courtney Williams due to a right ankle injury, snapping a 122-game streak of consecutive appearances dating to her 2024 arrival. Despite the loss, Minnesota had won 15 of 16 games prior to Monday and defeated Golden State 77-66 just five days earlier. Olivia Miles surpassed Ticha Penicheiro for the second-most assists in WNBA rookie history with 225.
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