Napheesa Collier’s 20 points lead Minnesota Lynx to dominant 101-72 win over Golden State Valkyries

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Napheesa Collier led a balanced offensive attack with 20 points as the Minnesota Lynx cruised past the Golden State Valkyries, 101-72, on Sunday in Game 1 of their first-round WNBA playoff series.

Collier was efficient, going 7-for-11 from the field, including a 3-pointer, and a perfect 5-for-5 from the free-throw line. She also pulled down six rebounds.

The Lynx had five players score in double figures. Natisha Hiedeman contributed 18 points, hitting two shots from beyond the arc, while Kayla McBride added 17, 14 of which came in the first half. Jessica Shepard posted 12 points and grabbed eight boards, and Courtney Williams chipped in with 11 points and four steals.

Golden State was led by Veronica Burton and Cecilia Zandalasini, each scoring 14 points. Burton also tallied seven assists and three steals but was responsible for seven of the Valkyries’ 16 turnovers. Janelle Salaün added 13 points and eight rebounds, while Temi Fágbénlé scored 12 before fouling out.

The Valkyries started strong, opening with an 11-4 run fueled by two Burton 3-pointers, and held a 28-21 lead after the first quarter. However, Minnesota quickly responded. McBride scored twice during a 12-3 Lynx run early in the second, giving them a 33-31 lead. By halftime, the Lynx had built a 47-39 advantage.

Minnesota kept the pressure on in the third. Alanna Smith drained a 3-pointer to push the lead to 10 with just under nine minutes left in the quarter, and the Lynx maintained a double-digit lead from that point forward. Late triples from DiJonai Carrington (two) and Williams extended the margin to 79-58 heading into the final frame.

The expansion Valkyries remain winless against the Lynx in their inaugural season, having dropped all four regular-season meetings — three by double digits.

Minnesota, which topped the league with a 34-10 regular-season record, now holds a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 shifts to Golden State on Wednesday.