The Golden State Valkyries beat the Minnesota Lynx 80-66 at Target Center on Aug. 24, 2026 — their first win over Minnesota since the Valkyries entered the league, a stretch that included being swept by the Lynx in last year’s playoffs. Golden State got scoring from three players in double figures while the Lynx, who came in as the WNBA’s top seed, shot a season-low 35.6% from the field.
Key facts
- Final score: Golden State 80, Minnesota 66
- Where and when: Target Center, Aug. 24, 2026
- Milestone: Valkyries’ first win over the Lynx since joining the league
- Records after the game: Golden State 26-11, Minnesota 31-8
- Minnesota shot a season-low 35.6% from the field
A tense moment in the first quarter
In the first quarter, Valkyries guard Tiffany Hayes grabbed and held the arm of Minnesota star Napheesa Collier. A foul was called, and the two players — former teammates at UConn — got in each other’s faces before teammates stepped in and separated them. Play continued from there, and as of August 25, 2026, discipline against either player had not been confirmed in available reporting.
Minnesota’s top seed still not locked up
Minnesota came into the night leading the WNBA standings but had not yet mathematically clinched the league’s No. 1 overall playoff seed. A win over Golden State would have locked it up; the loss means that will have to wait for another game.
Lynx offense stalls, Valkyries share the scoring
Minnesota never found a rhythm offensively, shooting a season-low 35.6% from the field while turning the ball over 17 times on the way to a season-low 66 points. Cecilia Zandalasini led Golden State with 18 points, Gabby Williams added 15, and Veronica Burton finished with 14 points, nine assists and five steals.
Collier’s return, Williams sidelined
Napheesa Collier returned to Minnesota’s lineup in late July after missing roughly the season’s first 10 weeks while recovering from ankle surgeries. Minnesota was also without starting guard Courtney Williams, who was ruled out with a right foot injury — the first regular-season game she had missed since joining the Lynx in 2024.
Golden State improved to 26-11 with the win; Minnesota fell to 31-8.