The Minnesota Lynx crushed the Golden State Valkyries in Game 1 of their playoff series. The final score was 101-72. The game happened on Sunday in Minneapolis.
This was a best-of-three series opener. The top-seeded Lynx now look to complete the sweep on Wednesday in San Francisco.
Lynx Stars Shine in Commanding Game 1 Victory
Napheesa Collier led the charge with 20 points. She is a strong candidate for the league’s Most Valuable Player award. Collier has scored at least 19 points in every game against Golden State this season.
Reserve player Natisha Hiedeman was also spectacular. She added 18 points in the playoff rout. Her performance continues a hot streak against the Valkyries.
According to Field Level Media, Hiedeman scored 63 points across the team’s last three matchups. She was brilliant from the three-point line in their previous meeting.
Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve praised Hiedeman’s recent play. She told the Star-Tribune that her guard is playing at a different level. Reeve said Hiedeman is playing her best basketball of the season with great confidence.
Valkyries Face Uphill Battle to Save Season
Golden State now faces elimination. They must win Game 2 at home to keep their season alive. The team struggled with foul trouble throughout the first game.
They committed 22 team fouls. Three key players finished with at least four personal fouls each. This limited their defensive aggression.
Head coach Natalie Nakase addressed the officiating after the game. She stated she wants a fair fight but loved that both teams played hard. Her team led the WNBA in scoring defense during the regular season.
Veronica Burton was a bright spot for the Valkyries. She ended the game with 14 points, seven assists, and five rebounds. Burton won the league’s Most Improved Player award for her efforts this year.
The Minnesota Lynx are one win away from advancing. Their dominant performance puts them on the cusp of the next round. The team looks to complete the series sweep on the road.
Dropping this nugget your way
What channel is the Lynx vs Valkyries game on?
Broadcast details for Game 2 are available on the WNBA’s official website and app. National television scheduling is typically announced shortly before tip-off.
Who won the WNBA MVP award this year?
The MVP winner has not been officially announced as of this writing. Minnesota’s Napheesa Collier is considered a leading candidate for the award.
How many games are in the first WNBA playoff series?
The first-round series are a best-of-three format. The first team to win two games advances to the next round.
Where do the Golden State Valkyries play their home games?
The Valkyries play their home games in San Francisco. The team is in its debut season in the WNBA.
Trusted Sources: Field Level Media, Minnesota Star-Tribune
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