Miles Scores 20 Before Ankle Injury as Lynx Beat Valkyries 77-66
Source: ABC News Sports. Casualplayhub News adds summary, context, and editorial framing while linking back to the original report.
SAN FRANCISCO -- On a night when the WNBA's two best teams collided, it was the league-leading Minnesota Lynx who asserted their dominance early, but the story quickly shifted to the health of their sensational rookie. Olivia Miles, the standout first-year guard, poured in 20 points, handed out seven assists, and grabbed five rebounds before being forced to the sideline midway through the fourth quarter with a left ankle injury. The injury occurred when Miles stepped on teammate Napheesa Collier's foot during a drive, causing her ankle to twist awkwardly. She limped off the court, grimacing, and went straight to the locker room for evaluation. After a brief absence, she returned to the bench, but did not re-enter the game. The Lynx held on for a 77-66 win over the Golden State Valkyries, a victory that further cemented their status as the team to beat this season.
Kayla McBride also scored 20 points for Minnesota, and she added a touch of flair in the final minute. After draining a 3-pointer from the wing, McBride turned to the crowd and mimicked Stephen Curry's signature "night night" gesture, a playful nod to the Warriors' star whose home floor at Chase Center hosted the contest. Napheesa Collier was a force in the paint, finishing with 18 points and eight rebounds, providing the interior presence that allowed the Lynx to build an early lead they never relinquished.
Minnesota (30-7) came out firing, racing to a 35-18 advantage by the early second quarter. The Lynx opened the second period with a 7-0 burst, pushing their lead to 41-26 at halftime. Their defense was relentless, holding Golden State to just 4 of 17 shooting in the first quarter and 1 of 12 to start the second. The Valkyries, known for generating offense from their defense, never found their rhythm on either end. They shot a meager 2 of 14 from beyond the arc in the first half and 7 for 37 overall before the break.
Golden State (25-10) refused to go quietly. Janelle Salaun sparked a third-quarter comeback, and her 3-pointer with 9:41 left in the fourth brought the Valkyries within 54-44. She added a free throw on the next possession, then converted a layup with 8:18 remaining to trim the deficit to 54-47. But the Lynx stiffened their defense and got timely buckets, preventing Golden State from completing the rally. The Valkyries' cold shooting plagued them all night; leading scorer Gabby Williams was held to 10 points on 4-for-15 shooting, including 1 of 7 from deep. Veronica Burton led the team with 14 points and seven assists, but it wasn't enough.
Adding to Golden State's woes, Kaila Charles left the game in the fourth quarter after taking a hit to the eye. The Valkyries had their six-game winning streak snapped and suffered just their second loss in 17 games. They had clinched a playoff berth two nights earlier with a 78-70 win over Dallas. This was the seventh meeting between these teams, and the Lynx have won all seven, including a first-round playoff sweep last season.
The sellout crowd at Chase Center was electric, especially after WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced Tuesday that the arena and Valkyries will host the 2027 All-Star Game. But the home team could not capitalize on the energy. The Lynx, meanwhile, have won five straight and 15 of their last 16, improving to 11-1 on the road against Western Conference opponents. They will visit Washington on Friday, while the Valkyries travel to Chicago for their next contest.
Article commentary
The matchup between the Minnesota Lynx and Golden State Valkyries was billed as a clash of the WNBA's elite, and it delivered on intensity, if not on competitive balance. The Lynx, sitting atop the league with a 30-7 record, proved why they are the favorites to repeat as champions. Their ability to build a commanding lead early and then withstand a fourth-quarter push from a gritty Valkyries team showcased both their depth and poise. But the game's most significant development was the injury to rookie Olivia Miles, whose performance before the exit was nothing short of spectacular. Miles, averaging 15.4 points and 5.8 assists per game this season, has been a revelation for Minnesota. Her 8-of-10 shooting night against Golden State's defense, which ranks among the best in the league, underlined her maturity and skill. The ankle injury, while serious enough to force her out, did not appear to be a long-term concern given she returned to the bench. However, the Lynx will be cautious; any extended absence would be a major blow to their title aspirations. For the Valkyries, this loss stings but is not a cause for alarm. They remain in second place with a 25-10 record and have already clinched a playoff berth. Their six-game winning streak was snapped, but they have shown resilience all season. The bigger issue is their inability to solve the Lynx, who have now beaten them seven times in a row. Golden State's offense, which typically relies on transition and ball movement, was stymied by Minnesota's disciplined half-court defense. Leading scorer Gabby Williams, who averages 18.6 points, was held to 10 on 4-of-15 shooting. The Valkyries will need to find answers before a potential playoff rematch. Their schedule does not get easier, with a road trip to Chicago looming. From a league perspective, this game highlighted the growing parity and excitement in the WNBA. The expansion Valkyries have exceeded all expectations, and the Lynx are a dynasty in the making. The injury to Miles, however, serves as a reminder of how fragile success can be. The WNBA's All-Star Game announcement for 2027 in San Francisco also underscores the league's expansion and investment in the Bay Area market. The Lynx will hope to have Miles healthy for the playoffs, while the Valkyries will look to regroup and perhaps make a statement in their next meeting. The race for the title is wide open, but Minnesota remains the team to beat.