Collier scores 24 points, Lynx use big 2nd-half run to beat Valkyries 86-75

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — Napheesa Collier recorded 24 points and 11 rebounds, while Courtney Williams added 20 points, five rebounds, and five assists to lead the undefeated Minnesota Lynx past the Golden State Valkyries, 86-75, on Sunday night.

With the win, Minnesota improved to 7-0 and pulled even with the New York Liberty atop the WNBA standings. The Lynx are looking strong after falling to the Liberty in last season’s championship series.

The Valkyries (2-4), one of the league’s newest teams, made history by drawing sellout crowds in each of their first three home games at the 18,064-seat Chase Center, also home to the NBA’s Golden State Warriors.

A pivotal moment came early in the third quarter when Williams nailed a 3-pointer to give Minnesota the lead for good. That shot ignited a dominant 27-5 run, highlighted by back-to-back threes from Collier and Williams that pushed the lead to 83-61 with just under six minutes left.

Kayla McBride chipped in 16 points on 6-of-10 shooting, and Bridget Carleton added 12 points for the Lynx. Natisha Hiedeman contributed all eight of her points during the third-quarter surge, along with two assists and two steals.

For the Valkyries, Veronica Burton led the way with 21 points on 7-of-11 shooting, including three 3-pointers. Kate Martin added 14 points, and Kayla Thornton finished with 11.