Collier Leads Lynx Comeback to Eliminate Valkyries in Thriller
SAN JOSE, CA — Napheesa Collier drained a go-ahead 18-foot jumper with 1:24 remaining and finished with 24 points, powering the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx to a dramatic 75–74 comeback win over the Golden State Valkyries on Wednesday night. The victory clinched Minnesota’s spot in the next round of the WNBA playoffs after they rallied from a 17-point third-quarter deficit.
Collier, who went 10-for-16 from the field, followed her 20-point Game 1 performance with a 14-point second half that fueled Minnesota’s furious rally — keeping alive their pursuit of the championship that narrowly eluded them last season.
The game came down to the wire. After a Minnesota shot-clock violation gave the Valkyries one last opportunity with four seconds left, Cecilia Zandalasini’s jumper missed the mark, sealing the win for the Lynx.
Kayla McBride scored 18 points, including a crucial scoop shot with 2:48 left that gave Minnesota a brief lead. Moments earlier, DiJonai Carrington had nailed a corner three-pointer to bring the Lynx within one, 70–69. Carrington also made a banked three with 8:30 remaining that sparked the comeback push.
Veronica Burton nearly led Golden State to an upset, contributing 13 points, nine assists, six rebounds, and four steals. Sixth-woman Monique Billings added 15 points off the bench. The Valkyries looked poised for their first playoff win after Billings converted a three-point play just before the third-quarter buzzer to extend the lead to 63–49.
But the Lynx chipped away. A jumper by McBride cut the deficit to five with 7:19 left, and a Valkyries shot-clock violation out of a timeout opened the door for Minnesota to strike again.
Golden State, backed by a roaring, sold-out crowd of 18,543 at San Jose’s SAP Center, had looked far more competitive than in their 101–72 Game 1 loss. Their usual home at Chase Center was unavailable due to a tennis showcase, forcing the Valkyries to relocate their first postseason home game to the NHL Sharks’ arena — nearly 50 miles south. Despite the change, fans loudly chanted “GSV!” after the final buzzer to celebrate a historic season.
In just their inaugural year, the Valkyries became the first WNBA expansion team to reach the playoffs — a feat that won head coach Natalie Nakase WNBA Coach of the Year honors. Veronica Burton was also recognized pregame as the league’s Most Improved Player.
Still, the defeat stung. Golden State had lost all four regular-season matchups with Minnesota — three by double digits — but showed they belong among the league’s elite. They were forced to play without starting center Temi Fagbenle, a late scratch due to right knee pain.
Among those in attendance was Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski, sitting courtside alongside team owner Joe Lacob and Warriors President Brandon Schneider — all watching what was nearly the biggest win in the young franchise’s history.
