SAN FRANCISCO — The Golden State Valkyries are riding a six-game winning streak as they welcome the top team in the WNBA, record-wise, in the Minnesota Lynx. There’s a little bit more at stake.
The Valkyries are three games behind the Lynx for the best record in the league. Minnesota has been on fire as of late, winning nine out of its previous 10 games, including a four-game winning streak.
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The Lynx have had the Valkyries’ number as of late. Golden State has yet to defeat Minnesota in the franchise’s short history. The Valkyries were swept 4-0 during their 2025 regular-season matchups and lost 2-0 in the first round of the 2025 WNBA playoffs.
Things haven’t changed so far in the 2026 season. The Valkyries have dropped their previous two meetings against the Lynx, both matchups from June when both teams had completely different looks.
“Yeah, I mean, it’s not a secret. We haven’t beat them yet, so with that, it definitely puts a little bit more on us,” Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase told reporters before the game. “Plus, 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. So no matter if it’s Minnesota or you know Chicago, we play like we have to play all four corner defense. So that to me is a priority tonight.”
Here are winners and losers entering the WNBA clash between the Valkyries and Lynx:
WINNERS
Here’s where the Valkyries can get their wins throughout the game against the Lynx:
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Echoing Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase: ‘defending for all four quarters’
The Valkyries’ best offense is their defense. It’s been the emphasis of Nakase’s messages to the team.
“But again, I’m just going to keep going back. I’m like, our defense has to be continuously consistent,” Nakase said. “So that’s where I see us growing from the last time we played them. But every game’s different.”
Golden State is allowing a WNBA-low 76.7 PPG on the year, including just 74.5 PPG its last 15 games (13-2 record). Valkyries opponents are shooting just 42.9 percent from the floor, and 29.9 percent from deep the last 15 gameswhile averaging 15.6 turnovers.
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The Valkyries have held their opponents to 70 points or less in a league-leading 10 games this season, including their recent win against the Dallas Wings, 78-70. They’ve held opponents to fewer than 60 points in two games, also the most in the league.
Golden State’s sharp-shooting
Golden State is the best shooting team in the league. The Valkyries take the most threes per game (30.7), and make the most threes per game (10.8). They boast a top-five percentage in the WNBA, coming in at fifth shooting 35.2% as a team this season.
They can get 3s going in a hurry. Between capable shooters such as Gabby Williams, Veronica Burton and Janelle Salaun.
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Salaun can get things going in a hurry when she comes off the bench. She shoots nearly 40% from deep with more than six attempts per game. She averages 2.5 made 3-pointers per game.
Second unit dominates, changes the flow
The Valkyries are so deep that their first three players off the bench could be starters. Salaun could be a starter. Tiffany Hayes could start. So could Kaitlyn Chen.
When they enter the game, there is a different energy that the Valkyries play with and it translates to the outcome of the game.
Last game, the reserves outscored their opponent 27-12.
LOSERS
The Valkyries haven’t been able to beat the Lynx at all this season. If things are to change tonight, they need to focus on a couple areas:
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Neutralize the Lynx system: Collier, Howard, Miles, etc.
The Minnesota Lynx have a deeply talented team. The overwhelming rookie of the year candidate is Olivia Miles and she’s been balling. She’s averaged 19.9 points, 6.1 assists, and 4.6 rebounds per game, and has been a huge part of why the Lynx have been successful.
However, it’s not just the rookie sensation. She joined a team full of All-Stars with Natasha Howard, Courtney Williams and Napheesa Collier returning after suffering multiple injuries. Also, you can’t forget Kayla McBride and the shooting ability she brings.
“They kind of have a system. Like they really make sure they cover the nail. They’re a heavy nail shifted team, especially also if it goes to the box, they they trap the box. So they have like more of a system. It’s not so much individual, and I think that’s the biggest thing is that they cover for each other,” Nakase said. “They know where, in terms of where they are in the shifts or on ball, like what that next rotation is. Cheryl [Reeves] been kind of doing this for a couple years now.”
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY Sports: Valkyries vs Lynx live updates: Winners and losers from WNBA showdown
