Zandalasini scores 18 as the Valkyries beat the Lynx for 1st time in franchise history, 80-66
Golden State Valkyries forward Gabby Williams (1) works toward the basket as Minnesota Lynx forward Nia Coffey (12) defends during the second half of a WNBA basketball game Monday, Aug. 24, 2026, in Minneapolis. Credit: AP/Abbie Parr
MINNEAPOLIS — Cecilia Zandalasini scored eight of her 18 points in the fourth quarter, Gabby Williams added 15 points, and the Golden State Valkyries beat the Minnesota Lynx for the first time in franchise history, 80-66 on Monday night.
Golden State (26-11) entered 0-9 against Minnesota in the regular season and playoffs since joining the WNBA in 2025.
Golden State led 63-57 early in the fourth quarter before going on a 14-1 run to make it 77-58. Zandalasini made her first 3-pointer of the game with 4:39 left and she added another on Minnesota’s next possession for a 16-point lead.
Veronica Burton had 14 points and nine assists, and Tiffany Hayes also scored 14 for Golden State. Janelle Salaun added 12 points off the bench.
Minnesota (31-8) was without starting guard Courtney Williams (right ankle injury) in a regular-season game for the first time since she joined the team in 2024, a streak of 122 games.
Natasha Howard led Minnesota with 13 points and Kayla McBride added 12. Napheesa Collier was held to nine points on 4-of-10 shooting. Olivia Miles moved past Ticha Penicheiro for the second-most assists by a rookie in WNBA history with 225.
The Lynx had won 15 of their last 16 games, including a 77-66 victory over the Valkyries last Wednesday.
Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier, center front, controls the ball as Golden State Valkyries guard Veronica Burton, center top, defends during the first half of a WNBA basketball game Monday, Aug. 24, 2026, in Minneapolis. Credit: AP/Abbie Parr
Up next
Valkyries: At Connecticut on Wednesday.
Lynx: At Atlanta on Sunday.
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