Matchup: Golden State Valkyries vs Minnesota Lynx
Scheduled Date: Sunday, September 14, 2025
Venue: Target Center, Minneapolis, MN
Broadcast: ESPN
This exciting matchup will feature the Minnesota Lynx (34-10) facing off against the Golden State Valkyries (23-21) on Sunday for Game 1 of their first-round playoff series. The Lynx open as significant favorites, favored by 13.5 points, with a total points line set at 148.5.
In their previous encounter, the Golden State Valkyries fell to the Minnesota Lynx with a score of 72-53. The Valkyries struggled offensively, shooting just 28.8% from the field (19 of 66) and making only 3 of 27 attempts from beyond the arc. At the free throw line, they were more efficient, converting 12 of 15 for an 80.0% success rate. Golden State managed to grab 35 rebounds, 10 of which were offensive, and recorded 18 assists while committing 13 turnovers and getting 9 steals. Defensively, the Valkyries allowed Minnesota to shoot 43.3% from the floor, hitting 29 of 67 attempts. The Lynx contributed with 13 assists and 4 steals while securing 37 rebounds (13 offensive, 24 defensive) and tallied 7 blocks. Minnesota converted 5 of 9 free throw attempts for a 55.6% efficiency and sank 9 of 28 three-point shots.
In the last game, Veronica Burton played a crucial role, scoring 8 points on 2 of 11 shooting while logging 31 minutes and securing 3 rebounds. Burton’s field goal percentage finished at 18.2%, along with providing 7 assists.
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The Golden State Valkyries come into this game with a record of 23-21 this season. As a team, they are shooting 32.5% from three-point range (427 of 1,314) and 81.5% at the free throw line. They average 77.7 points per game (ranking 10th in the league) while hitting 40.7% of their field goals. Golden State averages 12.9 turnovers and commits 17.5 personal fouls per game. The Valkyries secure 35.3 rebounds each contest and have a total of 815 assists this year, ranking 12th in the league for passing. On defense, they force their opponents into 11.9 turnovers per game while allowing 31.7% shooting from three-point range, leading the league in points allowed per game at 76.3. Golden State’s defense allows a field goal percentage of 40.5% (1,173 of 2,899) and excels at limiting rebounds, conceding only 33.3 boards per game—ranking 3rd in the WNBA for assists allowed, with 846 this season.
In their previous outing, the Minnesota Lynx earned a victory against the Golden State Valkyries, winning by a score of 72-53. The Lynx collected a total of 39 rebounds, including 25 defensive and 14 offensive. They committed 17 turnovers but also recorded 12 steals in that game. The Valkyries committed 15 personal fouls, sending Minnesota to the line for 9 free throw attempts, of which they converted 5 for a success rate of 55.6%. From long range, the Lynx scored 9 of 28 attempts (32.1%) and shot 43.3% overall from the field (29 of 67). Minnesota allowed Golden State to make 19 of 66 shots for a shooting percentage of 28.8% in that game. The Valkyries’ three-point shooting was limited to just 11.1%, hitting 3 of 27 attempts, while they finished at 80.0% from the free throw line, making 12 of 15 attempts. Minnesota allowed Golden State 38 rebounds, with 15 being on offense.
Natisha Hiedeman made a significant impact for the Lynx, shooting 8 of 12 for an impressive field goal percentage of 66.7%, adding 2 rebounds. Hiedeman clocked in 21 points during her 24 minutes on the floor, also dishing out 1 assist.
As the season progresses, Minnesota holds a strong record of 34-10. Offensively, the Lynx are impressive, shooting 47.2% from the field, ranking them first across the league. They have amassed a total of 3,787 points this season (averaging 86.1 per game) while securing 34.2 rebounds per game. The Lynx are known for their exceptional passing, with 23.3 assists per game (ranking 1st in the WNBA) and committing 12.1 turnovers per game. Minnesota averages 16.0 fouls per contest and maintains a free throw shooting percentage of 76.0%. On the defensive end, the Lynx stand second in the WNBA for points allowed per game at 76.7. They force 14.0 turnovers each night and restrict opponents to 42.3% shooting from the field (2nd in the league). Opponents shoot 33.1% from three-point range (345 of 1,042), and convert 77.5% of their free throw shots. They also allow 18.8 assists and an average of 33.3 rebounds per game, ranking first and sixth in the league, respectively.
Which team will prevail in tonight’s WNBA showdown against the spread?
Tony Sink’s Prediction: Take Golden State (+13.5)
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