Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

2025 WNBA Playoffs: Top-Seeded Lynx Outclass Expansion Valkyries to Extend Winning Run

Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

Minnesota Lynx continued their dream run in the WNBA playoffs and the last year’s runner-up outclassed the Golden State Valkyries 101-72 on Sunday in Game 1 of the best-of-three first-round WNBA series. The regular season leaders have taken a 1-0 lead in the series and Minnesota would look too wrap up the game on Sep. 17.

GAME WON. pic.twitter.com/ycc1y3gS77
— Minnesota Lynx (@minnesotalynx) September 14, 2025

Also Read: Why Las Vegas Aces Are the Most Difficult Team to Beat in 2025 WNBA Playoffs?

Minnesota Rout Golden State in WNBA Playoff Opener to Take a Decisive Lead in the Series

Napheesa Collier scored 20 points, including six rebounds. She hit 7 of 11 shots with a 3-pointer and all five of her free throws. Natisha Hiedeman chipped in 18 points and made two 3-pointers. Kayla McBride added 17 and Jessica Shepard had 12, including eight rebounds. Courtney Williams chipped in with 11 points and four steals.

For the Valkyries, Veronica Burton and Cecilia Zandalasini each scored 14 points. Burton also added seven assists and three steals. Golden State committed 16 turnovers and Burton added 7 out of them. Janelle Salaün added 13 points and eight rebounds, while Temi Fágbénlé scored 12.

Napheesa Collier is on another level right now 🚨

She scores off the dime by Courtney Williams!

GSV-MIN | ESPN | WNBA PLAYOFFS | @Google pic.twitter.com/goeaFrcU6c
— WNBA (@WNBA) September 14, 2025

Golden State had a terrific start to the game with an early 11-4 run and outscored Minnesota 28-21 in first quarter. The Lynx dropped a 12-3 surge in the second quarter to open up the lead. McBride added 14 points and Collier scored 11 in the opening half.

In the third quarter, Minnesota led by double digits with Alanna Smith’s 3-pointer with 8:47 left in the period. DiJonai Carrington hit two 3-pointers and Williams hit one to take a 79-58 lead into the final quarter.

Minnesota secured their fifth victory of the season against Golden State and four of them came in double digits. The Valkyries will host the Lynx in Game 2 on Wednesday to force the decider.

Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

2025 WNBA Playoffs

Minnesota Lynx

Valkyries

Gulshan Sharma

nba

soccer

wnba

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.