Lynx’ Natisha Hiedeman nearly sets franchise record in Game 1 vs. Valkyries

The Minnesota Lynx opened their 2025 WNBA postseason with a dominant 101-72 victory over the Golden State Valkyries on Sunday at Target Center, taking a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three first-round series.

Golden State, an expansion team making its playoff debut, started strong. Behind Veronica Burton’s outside shooting and Temi Fagbenle’s eight first-quarter points, the Valkyries connected on 5-of-8 three-pointers and led by as many as 10 points, carrying a 28-21 advantage into the second quarter. The Lynx missed 12 of their first 20 field-goal attempts, while Golden State executed a sharp two-for-one possession sequence to close the frame.

Minnesota, however, adjusted quickly. The Lynx outscored the Valkyries 26-12 in the second quarter, limiting them to a single free-throw attempt wh