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WNBA playoffs: Minnesota Lynx fend off Golden State Valkyries in 101-72 win to open postseason

The expansion Golden State Valkyries were the surprise of the 2025 WNBA season, and they certainly showed the Minnesota Lynx why in the first half of their Game 1 matchup on Sunday. But that magic didn't last, as the No. 1 seed Lynx secured a 101-72 win, a score that will mask just how well No. 8 Golden State played to start the game.

The Valkyries went 5-for-8 from 3-point range in the first quarter, with Veronica Burton leading the way and Temi Fágbénlé adding eight points of her own in the period. Between solid defense and the Lynx struggling to hit their shots, Golden State was able to keep Minnesota at bay, at least temporarily.

But there's a reason the Lynx were consistently the best team in the league all season, and why Napheesa Collier is an MVP frontrunner. The Lynx didn't take their first lead until the final minutes of the first half, and then went on a tear in the second, mounting a lead that became insurmountable.

The Valkyries will try to even the series in Wednesday's Game 2, which will take place at San Jose's SAP Center. The Valkyries' home arena, Chase Center, was pre-booked for the Laver Cup later this week.

Sunday's playoff action continues with the Atlanta Dream taking on the Indiana Fever (3 p.m. ET), the Phoenix Mercury facing the New York Liberty (5 p.m. ET) and the Las Vegas Aces matching up with the Seattle Storm (10 p.m. ET).