Golden State Valkyries Aim to Break Losing Streak Against Top-Ranked Minnesota Lynx
SAN FRANCISCO — The Golden State Valkyries, currently on a six-game winning streak, are set to face the Minnesota Lynx, the top team in the WNBA by record. The matchup carries significant weight as the Valkyries trail the Lynx by three games for the league’s best record.
Lynx Dominate Recent History
The Minnesota Lynx have historically had the upper hand against the Valkyries. Golden State has never defeated Minnesota, having been swept 4-0 in the 2025 regular season and losing 2-0 in the 2025 WNBA playoffs. This season, the Valkyries have already lost their previous two encounters with the Lynx in June.
“It’s not a secret. We haven’t beat them yet, so with that, it definitely puts a little bit more on us,” said Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase. “They’re number one, so yeah, it’s definitely a game that we want to… we just want to make sure, within the game, we make the right reads, but also I’m gonna keep going back to us. It’s what we can control. It’s our defense.”
Defense as Key to Victory
Coach Nakase emphasized the importance of defense, stating, “Our defense has to be continuously consistent. That’s where I see us growing from the last time we played them.” The Valkyries currently allow a league-low 76.7 points per game, and just 74.5 points in their last 15 games (13-2 record). Opponents are shooting just 42.9 percent from the floor and 29.9 percent from beyond the arc in those 15 games, while averaging 15.6 turnovers.
Golden State has held opponents to 70 points or less in a league-leading 10 games this season.
Early Game Summary
The game began with a strong start for the Lynx, who led 21-13 in the first quarter, with Olivia Miles contributing three points and four assists. Minnesota continued their momentum in the second quarter, outscoring Golden State 20-13 and extending their lead to 41-26. The Valkyries’ defense improved in the third quarter, limiting the Lynx to just 13 points, but still trailed 54-41.