The decisive moment

Minnesota turned a tight game in its favor at the start of the fourth quarter, taking the lead for good with 10:00 remaining and holding on for an 87-84 win over Golden State. In a game decided by three points, that early final-period push gave the Lynx just enough separation to withstand the Valkyries’ late pressure.

The finish matched the feel of the night: close, tense and driven by shot-making from both sides. Minnesota had to manage the closing minutes without Napheesa Collier, Dorka Juhasz and Emma Cechova, making the result a valuable regular-season test of its depth.

By the numbers

• Final score: Minnesota Lynx 87, Golden State Valkyries 84.
• Olivia Miles led Minnesota with 28 points, 4 rebounds and 7 assists.
• Courtney Williams added 17 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists for the Lynx.
• Cecilia Zandalasini paced Golden State with 18 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists.
• Janelle Salaun contributed 17 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists for the Valkyries.
• The game was decided by a 3-point margin.

Miles was the central figure for Minnesota, giving the Lynx both scoring and playmaking in a game where every possession carried weight. Williams’ production on the glass also mattered, particularly with Minnesota missing multiple rotation players in the frontcourt.

Golden State stayed within striking distance behind Zandalasini and Salaun, who combined for 35 points. The Valkyries had enough offense to threaten late, but Minnesota’s fourth-quarter control proved decisive.

What it means

For Minnesota, this was a strong 2026 WNBA Regular Season result because it showed the Lynx can close a close game even while shorthanded. With Collier out because of an ankle injury, Juhasz out with a foot injury and Cechova sidelined by a knee injury, Minnesota needed guard play and composure to carry the night.

For Golden State, the narrow loss leaves a clear takeaway: the Valkyries were competitive on the road but still came up one possession short. Awak Kuier’s wrist injury and Li Yueru’s left ankle status remain important depth storylines as Golden State looks to turn close performances into wins.

What to watch next

Minnesota’s next priority is sustaining this level of late-game execution while monitoring its injured frontcourt. Miles’ performance gives the Lynx a reliable offensive focal point if those absences continue.

Golden State will look for cleaner closing possessions and continued production from Zandalasini and Salaun. In a three-point loss, small improvements in execution, health and late-game shot quality could quickly change the outcome next time out.