WNBA-best Lynx beat Valkyries however Olivia Miles leaves with harm

Napheesa Collier (24) pulls Olivia Miles (5) away as she contests a foul name with the referee within the second half because the Golden State Valkyries performed the Minnesota Lynx at Chase Heart in San Francisco on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026. (Carlos Avila Gonzalez/San Francisco Chronicle through AP)

SAN FRANCISCO— Olivia Miles had 20 factors, seven assists and 5 rebounds earlier than leaving halfway by means of the fourth quarter with a left ankle harm, and the Minnesota Lynx ran away early from the Golden State Valkyries earlier than holding on for a 77-66 win Wednesday evening in a matchup of the WNBA’s prime groups.

Kayla McBride additionally scored 20 for the Lynx and did Stephen Curry’s signature “evening evening” gesture after a late 3-pointer at Chase Heart, house to Curry’s Warriors. Napheesa Collier added 18 factors and eight rebounds for the league-best Lynx.

READ: WNBA scores: Olivia Miles scores 24 as Lynx prolong win streak to eight

Miles, Minnesota’s standout rookie who shot 8 of 10 from the sector, turned her ankle when she stepped on Collier’s foot. She limped off the courtroom and went to the locker room briefly earlier than returning to the bench space.

Veronica Burton had 14 factors and 7 assists for the cold-shooting Valkyries (25-10), who’ve but to beat Minnesota in seven conferences. The highest-seeded Lynx swept the growth Valkyries within the first spherical of the 2025 playoffs.

Janelle Salaun’s 3-pointer with 9:41 left pulled the Valkyries inside 54-44, and he or she made one free throw the subsequent time down earlier than a layup with 8:18 remaining that reduce the result in 54-47. However Golden State didn’t get sufficient defensive stops in crunch time.

READ: WNBA scores: Kayla McBride, Olivia Miles lead Lynx previous Mercury

The Valkyries’ Kaila Charles left within the fourth after she took successful to the attention.

The Lynx (30-7) have received 5 straight and 15 of 16, enhancing to 11-1 on the highway in opposition to the Western Convention.

Golden State began 5 of 27 in entrance of a raucous, sellout crowd. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert introduced Tuesday that the sector and Valkyries will host the 2027 All-Star Sport.

The Valkyries (25-10) had their six-game successful streak snapped with simply their second loss in 17 video games. They clinched a playoff berth with Monday’s 78-70 win over Dallas.

Golden State shot 4 for 17 within the first quarter, lacking 5 of its six 3-point makes an attempt, then started 1 of 12 to start out the second as Minnesota jumped to a 35-18 lead and opened the second quarter with a 7-0 burst on the best way to a 41-26 halftime benefit.

The Valkyries usually discover their offensive rhythm from their protection, however by no means received in sync on both finish. They shot 2 of 14 from deep within the first half and seven for 37 total — 1 for 7 by main scorer Gabby Williams, who was held to 10 factors on 4-for-15 taking pictures.