The Golden State Valkyries are in a must-win scenario, hosting the Minnesota Lynx for Game 2 of their first-round series at the SAP Center in San Jose on Wednesday (7 p.m. PT). Due to a scheduling conflict and a previously scheduled Lavar Cup event at Chase Center, the electric environment of Ballhalla, which included a league record season attendance filled with loud, passionate fans, will take over the NHL's San Jose Sharks home for the night. » Know before you go Info for SAP Center
"We have faith in our fans that they're going to continue to show out for us," Veronica Burton, recently named the WNBA's Most Improved Player, said. "Wherever we play, we're going to bring our basketball. So, we're confident, we're excited, it's another opportunity to compete.”
All fans in attendance for the Valkyries' historic playoff home opener will receive a commemorative playoff t-shirt.
Game 2: Valkyries at Lynx
Wednesday, Sept. 17 | Tipoff: 17 p.m.
WATCH: ESPN (National)
LISTEN: 95.7 The Game
BUY TICKETS
LAST TIME OUT
Despite jumping out to a double-digit first quarter lead, the Golden State Valkyries trailed by as many as 36 points in their 101-72 Game 1 loss to the Lynx in Minnesota on Sunday. The Valkyries had five players score in double figures, paced by Veronica Burton and Cecilia Zandalasini's 14 points apiece. Napheesa Collier led all scorers with 20 points, while Natisha Hiedeman led all reserves with 18 points. Establishing themselves as the league's best team at defending the rim in the regular season, Golden State was outscored 44-18 in the paint. » Full Game Recap
Highlights: Valkyries Defeated by Lynx in Playoff Debut | 9/14/25
BURTON WINS MOST IMPROVED PLAYER
Valkyries guard Veronica Burton was named the 2025 Kia WNBA Most Improved Player of the Year, the league announced Monday. Burton received 68 of 72 votes from a national panel of sportswriters and broadcasters. She became the first player in WNBA history to increase her averages by at least five points, two rebounds and two assists per game from one season to the next. Burton led the Valkyries in total points (525), rebounds (192), assists (265), steals (50) and blocks (27) as the only WNBA player this season to accomplish that feat. » Full Story
Highlights: The Best of Veronica Burton From 2025 After Winning Most Improved Player Award
GAME 1 TAKEAWAYS
Game 1 was an offensive mismatch as the Minnesota Lynx shot a significantly higher field goal (51.5 FG%) and 3-point percentage (41.7 3PT%) than the Valkyries' field goal percentage (33.9 FG%).That said, the Valkyries led by seven after the first quarter and sank five of their nine total 3-pointers in the frame — another sign of their perimeter shooting directly affecting the game's outcome.
“I think we had a pretty good first half," Burton said postgame. "They are a very good team, so if you want to beat them, we have to be consistent. Our game is a 40-minute game; we just played a solid half, but we need the second half as well. That's what we're gonna focus on going into the next one.”
Head Coach Natalie Nakase is still supremely confident in her group, maintaining that the top seeded Lynx had simplydone what they're supposed to do at home and the Valkyries have a chance to do the same on Wednesday.
"They're supposed to win here at home," Nakase said. "Now we get to go home, now we get to go to Ballhalla in front of our amazing fans and play with the love and support that we always have. And we’ve got to do our job.
GOING TO GAME 2 AT SAP? HERE IS EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW:
Fans coming to SAP Center for the Valkyries' playoff home opener should plan to arrive early and celebrate by attending our pregame block party, which begins at 4:30 p.m. This event is available even if you don't have a ticket to the game and includes music, outdoor games, face painting, poster making, food, shots on our sports court and so much more!
There are several different options to commute to the SAP Center, including Caltrain, BART, other forms of public transportation, or driving. If you are driving and in need of parking, the SAP Center parking lot opens two hours before tipoff at 5 p.m. » More directions and parking info
Accessing your tickets will be very similar to Chase Center, as fans can manage their tickets through the Golden State mobile app. Doors will open one hour before tipoff at 6 p.m.
,xPosition=.5,yPosition=.5)
,xPosition=.5,yPosition=.5)
,xPosition=.5,yPosition=.5)
,xPosition=.5,yPosition=.5)