Napheesa Collier lifted Minnesota with 24 points, carving a late 18-footer that sealed a 75-74 comeback over Golden State in a tense WNBA playoff tilt. Collier hit 10 of 16, flipping the script after a 17-point third-quarter hole as the Lynx rallied behind Kayla McBride’s 18 and Veronica Burton’s all-around game. Golden State’s home surge wasn’t enough to hold off Minnesota’s late surge, despite a raucous 18,543 crowd and a valiant Valkyries run.

Natalie Nakase guided Golden State Valkyries to an unprecedented playoff run, becoming the WNBA Coach of the Year as a first-year expansion team with 23 wins and full Chase Center attendance. Her leadership blends fire with resilience, honoring her late father while prioritizing mental health. Owner Joe Lacob’s early faith and the brunch-turned-hire narrative frame a season that rewrote expectations for an expansion franchise.

As the Valkyries prepare for a playoff tilt with Minnesota, the broader landscape features seasoned tacticians like Smesko, Hammon and Reeve, underscoring a season where bold, fresh voices collide with proven schemes in a league-wide push for postseason disruption.