Minnesota Lynx Hang Tough, Turn Back Valkyries' Challenge

For Collier, she realized after the game that Minnesota had a really tough time in keeping the Valkyries in check. “They were getting really easy shots,” she said, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. “They were open from three. They were open in the paint. Getting offensive rebounds. Cutting. We really tried to lock in and get back to what our scheme is.”

Courtney Williams had 15 points for the Lynx while Kayla McBride added 12. Tiffany Hayes led Golden State in scoring with 23 points.

Minnesota put things together in third quarter to pull away from Golden State for victory

Minnesota head coach Cheryl Reeve noted that her team didn't quite have a solid start in the effort department. But the Lynx cranked it up a notch in the second half to pull away for the victory.

“It’s not that we played without effort completely,” Reeve said. “But it didn’t really get to the level, the energy and passion, to sort of go toe to toe with them.”

Minnesota went on a 15-4 run to end the third quarter, then held Golden State scoreless for more than four minutes in the fourth quarter. By that time, it was game, set, match for the Lynx.

“The Lynx have always been known for team basketball,” Collier said. “It’s easy to guard when only one person is scoring. But when everyone’s scoring, you’re moving the ball, that’s impossible to guard.”

One other note from Saturday's game. The Lynx, with their perfect home record, put themselves on the path toward a potential WNBA championship. According to the Star-Tribune, the other four teams that started a season 10-0 on their home court went on to win the crown. They were Detroit in 2008, Seattle in 2010, Minnesota in 2013, and Las Vegas in 2023.

Lynx fans might want to put that stat on a Sticky note and look back should Minnesota reign supreme at season's end.