The Golden State Valkyries fell to the number one seed Minnesota Lynx 77-66 on Wednesday night at Chase Center. Four Valkyries players reached double figures in scoring: Janelle Salaün (15), Veronica Burton (14), Tiffany Hayes (12), and Gabby Williams (10). Salaün and Hayes combined to outscore the Lynx's reserves 27-2. Despite strong efforts in the second half, the Valkyries were unable to gain the lead at any point in the contest, with the biggest deficit hitting 22 points.
Highlights: Golden State Valkyries 66 - Minnesota Lynx 77 | 8/19/26
FIGHTING THE FIRST HALF DEFICIT
The Valkyries struggled to find a rhythm on offense while Minnesota did not concede the lead once in the first half. The Lynx's largest advantage reached 18 points in the second quarter. Veronica Burton battled to make an impact on both ends of the court with three steals, tying her career-high for steals in a half, and scoring seven points over that span.
BURTON SCORES DOUBLE DIGITS
Veronica Burton's sharp shooting was a bright spot in the Valkyries' offense against the Lynx. The guard went 4-for-9 from the field and knocked down all four of her free throw attempts. She made two of the team's seven 3-pointers
MOMENTUM SHIFT
Battling back from behind, the Valkyries went on a 17-2 scoring run from the 6:48 minute mark of the third quarter till the eight minute mark of the final frame, cutting the deficit to seven after trailing by 22 points. Janelle Salaün led the charge offensively, quickly reaching double figures with 11 points, while Burton recorded five points in the stretch.
HAYES HITS 1,000 CAREER ASSISTS
Tiffany Hayes reached a career milestone of 1,000 assists after dishing it to Gabby Williams for a bucket in the fourth quarter on Wednesday night. Hayes is the 15th player in WNBA history with 5,000 points, 1,000 rebounds, 1,000 assists and 400 steals.
Hayes finished the contest with 12 points, two assists, and a season high seven rebounds in 25 minutes played.
Tiffany Hayes and Veronica Burton Postgame Press Conference | 8/19/26
Natalie Nakase Postgame Press Conference | 8/19/26
UP NEXT
The Valkyries are set to start a five game road-trip when they face the Chicago Sky on Friday, Aug. 21 (4:30 p.m. PT; WATCH: ION).
BY THE NUMBERS
- The Valkyries drew their 42nd consecutive regular-season sellout with 18,064 on Wednesday night. Golden State has sold out every regular season game in team history.
- Janelle Salaün led Golden State with 15 points on 6-12 (50.0 percent) shooting while adding six rebounds and three assists.
- Veronica Burton finished with 14 points, a team-high seven assists, and a game-high four steals, while adding four rebounds.
- Gabby Williams added 10 points, eight of which came in the fourth quarter, two assists and two steals.
- Cecilia Zandalasini scored eight points with six rebounds, and Kiah Stokes also posted six rebounds.
- The Valkyries outscored the Lynx 40-36 in the second half, and held Minnesota to just 13 points in the third quarter.
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