Collier scores 24 points as No. 1 seed Lynx beat Valkyries 75-74 to advance in WNBA playoffs.

What a nail-biter at the SAP Center last night! The top-seeded Minnesota Lynx pulled off a thrilling 75-74 comeback against the Golden State Valkyries, advancing in the WNBA playoffs. Napheesa Collier was the star, dropping 24 points, including a clutch 18-foot jumper with just 1:24 left. But let’s unpack this game—what do you think it takes for a team to overcome a 17-point deficit in a playoff game?

Collier was on fire, especially in the second half, scoring 14 of her 24 points to fuel the Lynx’s rally. She went 10-for-16 from the field, building on her 20-point performance in Game 1. Why do you suppose a player like Collier can step up so consistently in high-pressure moments? Is it preparation, mindset, or something else?

The Valkyries, playing in front of a roaring sellout crowd of 18,543, controlled much of the game. They led 63-49 heading into the fourth quarter after Monique Billings’ buzzer-beating three-point play. But Minnesota refused to quit. Kayla McBride chipped in with a go-ahead scoop shot late in the game, finishing with 18 points. What might have shifted in the Lynx’s approach in the final quarter to turn the tide?

Golden State had a chance to steal it at the end. With four seconds left after a shot-clock violation by Minnesota, Cecilia Zandalasini took a jumper but couldn’t connect. How do you think those final seconds felt for the Valkyries, knowing they were so close to forcing a Game 3?

Veronica Burton was a standout for Golden State, stuffing the stat sheet with 13 points, nine assists, six rebounds, and four steals. Billings added 15 points off the bench. The Valkyries, in their first-ever season, made history as the only WNBA expansion team to reach the playoffs in their debut year. What does it say about a team when they can compete this fiercely in their inaugural season?

The game wasn’t even at Golden State’s usual home, Chase Center, because of a scheduling conflict with the Laver Cup tennis event. Instead, they played 50 miles south at the San Jose Sharks’ SAP Center. Did the unfamiliar venue affect the Valkyries, or did their “Balhalla” energy still shine through? The fans certainly brought it, chanting “GSV!” after the buzzer to celebrate their team’s historic season.

Minnesota’s comeback started gaining steam when DiJonai Carrington hit a 3-pointer to cut the lead to 63-56, followed by McBride’s jumper making it a five-point game. Golden State called a timeout, but then committed a shot-clock violation, and McBride scored again. What do you think goes through a coach’s mind during a timeout when the momentum is slipping away?

Despite the loss, the Valkyries showed they’re a force to be reckoned with. They dropped all four regular-season games against Minnesota, but this tight playoff battle proves they’re closing the gap. Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski, owner Joe Lacob, and president Brandon Schneider were courtside, cheering them on. How much do you think that kind of support from the organization boosts a team’s morale? Before the game, Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase was honored as WNBA Coach of the Year, and Burton was named the league’s most improved player. What qualities do you think make a coach or player stand out as the best in their field? And with starting center Temi Fagbenle sidelined by knee pain, how might the Valkyries adjust moving forward?

This game was a heartbreaker for Golden State, but it’s also a sign of how bright their future is. What do you think the Valkyries can take away from this season—and this game—to build on for next year?