Collier scores 24 points, Lynx use big 2nd-half run to beat Valkyries 86-75
SAN FRANCISCO -- — Napheesa Collier had 24 points and 11 rebounds, Courtney Williams added 20 points, five rebounds and five assists and the Minnesota Lynx beat the expansion Golden State Valkyries 86-75 on Sunday night.
Minnesota (7-0) tied with New York a top the WNBA standings after losing in the championship series to the Liberty last season.
The Valkyries (2-4) made WNBA history with three consecutive sellout crowds in the first three home games at the 18,064-capacity Chase Center, which is also the home of the NBA's Golden State Warriors.
Williams hit a 3-pointer 3:01 into the third quarter that gave the Lynx the lead for good and sparked a 27-5 run, capped when Collier and Williams hit 3s 27 seconds apart to make it 83-61 with 5:43 to play. Natisha Hiedeman scored all of her eight points and added two assists and two steals in Minnesota's game-breaking spurt.
Kayla McBride scored 16 points on 6-of-10 shooting and Bridget Carleton added 12 points for the Lynx.
Veronica Burton hit three 3-pointers and finished with 21 points on 7-of-11 shooting for Golden State. Kate Martin added 14 points and Kayla Thornton had 11.
------
Regular Season Series
MIN leads 2-0
Game Information
- Referees:
- Angelica Suffren
- Clare Aubry
- Gerda Gatling
2024-25 Western Conference Standings
Team | W | L | PCT | GB | STRK |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Minnesota | 22 | 4 | .846 | - | W4 |
Phoenix | 15 | 9 | .625 | 6 | L3 |
Seattle | 15 | 11 | .577 | 7 | L1 |
Las Vegas | 12 | 13 | .480 | 9.5 | L2 |
Golden State | 11 | 12 | .478 | 9.5 | W1 |
Los Angeles | 11 | 14 | .440 | 10.5 | W5 |
Dallas | 7 | 18 | .280 | 14.5 | L1 |