Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images

2025 WNBA Playoffs: Minnesota Lynx Come from Behind to Beat Valkyries for the Berth in WNBA Semifinals

Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images

It has been a heartbreaking night for the Golden State Valkyries, who became the first expansion franchise to reach the playoffs in its inaugural season. The Expansion team of the season failed to force the Game 3 against the top-seed Lynx on Wednesday night. Minnesota edged out Golden State 76-75 to wrap up the first-round series and advanced to the next round of the 2025 WNBA playoffs.

LYNX TO THE SEMIS ✅

The No. 1 @minnesotalynx advance to the Semi-Finals of the 2025 WNBA Playoffs presented by @Google after defeating the Golden State Valkyries 2–0 in the First Round!#WelcometotheW pic.twitter.com/yNKESSjCS7
— WNBA (@WNBA) September 18, 2025

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Minnesota Lynx Rally in Final Quarter to Reach WNBA Semifinals for Consecutive Seasons

The Valkyries made a flourish start to the game in front of the solid crowd of 18,543. After dropping the opening game 101-72, Golden State countered Minnesota with strong offense. The home side outscored the last season’s runner-up 41-28 in the first half. It was a complete domination from the Valkyries who held the Lynx for 9 points in the second quarter.

The Valkyries extended their lead to 17 points in the third quarter but Minnesota’s real comeback came in the fourth quarter. Golden State held a 63-49 lead heading to the final period. Carrington dropped a 3-pointer with 8:30 left to reduce the deficit to seven points. McBride’s jumper made it a five-point game before the Valkyries called timeout.

Courtney Williams puts the Lynx up 3 with 25.6 to go! This one is comin down to the wire!

MIN-GSV | ESPN | WNBA Playoffs presented by @Google pic.twitter.com/37oqanBEMM
— WNBA (@WNBA) September 18, 2025

Kayla McBride’s scoop shot helped Minnesota to take a 7-69 lead with 3:18 left in the game. Napheesa Collier dropped a go-ahead shot with 1:24 remaining and scripted a famous comeback for the Lynx. It marks the fourth largest fourth quarter comeback in a Playoff win in WNBA history. Collier She chipped in with 14 second-half points out of her total 24 points. She went 10-for-16 in Game 2 and had back-to-back 20-point outburst in the playoffs.

Minnesota Lynx outscored the Valkyries 26-11 in the fourth quarter to snatch a victory from jaws of the defeat. Golden State had an opportunity to force the decider in the first-round series but Cecilia Zandalasini couldn’t convert a jumper with four seconds left. It was the fifth straight loss for the Valkyries against the Lynx and this one was the closest one. Golden State lost but the crowd stayed on their feet and GSV chants were on the roll.

Fairytale beginnings. Thank you for everything, Ballhalla. ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/TEHo3djqND
— Golden State Valkyries (@valkyries) September 18, 2025

Kayla McBride scored 18 points, while Bridget Carleton added 12. Dijonai Carrington chipped in 11 points off the bench. Veronica Burton, who was named the league’s most improved player, scored 13 points, nine assists, six rebounds and four steals. Monique Billings added 15 points off the bench. Janelle Salaün and Cecilia Zandalasini had 14 points each for the Valkyries.

Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images

Golden State Valkyries

Minnesota Lynx

Gulshan Sharma

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A native of Jaipur, Rajasthan, journalist, and a complete soccer and basketball fan, he found the huge interest with basketball by watching videos of Allen Iverson and Tony Parker, but fell head over heels in love with the sport during the Warriors’ championship era (2015-2018). A sports game addict since his late PS1, he’s also passionate about the Eagles, Inter Miami and the Fever. He’s fortunate to have seen all his favorite teams win championships. He also has a special love for cricket and football (soccer), where he is a fan of Royal Challengers Bangalore and Barcelona.