Tonight’s game for the Golden State Valkyries isn’t just another regular-season matchup, it’s a chance to rewrite history and make a legitimate claim for a championship banner. The Valkyries are hosting the league-leading Minnesota Lynx at Ballhalla tonight, a team they have literally *never* beaten. We’re talking 0-8 all-time against Minnesota, folks.
Playoff Berth Secured, But The Lynx Remain A Wall
The Valkyries are coming off a high, no doubt. They’ve absolutely obliterated expectations since joining the league. Just Monday night, they clinched a 2026 playoff berth by taking down the Dallas Wings. They’re the first expansion team in WNBA history to hit the postseason in Year One and then again in Year Two. That’s incredible, right? You’d think a playoff-bound team would be riding high, but there’s this *one* team that’s been their absolute kryptonite: the Minnesota Lynx. It’s not just a tough matchup; it’s a statistical anomaly. The Valkyries have faced Minnesota eight times, losing every single one. Last season, they dropped four regular-season games, then got swept 2-0 in the first round of the playoffs. This season? Two more losses already. Ouch.
Getting Close Isn’t Good Enough
You gotta give them credit, though; the Valkyries have been competitive in almost every loss. Except for a pounding in Game 1 of their first-ever playoff game, every other loss last season was by no worse than 11 points. This season, they’ve been even closer, losing by just three and six points. So they’re *right there*. But “right there” doesn’t get a banner hanging over Chase Center, does it? Eric Nemchock hit it right on the head: their struggle with Minnesota, along with losses to the Las Vegas Aces, shows the Valkyries’ inability to consistently beat the W’s truly elite teams. Five of their nine total losses this season have come against either the Lynx or the Aces. That’s a huge blemish and screams “postseason trouble” if they can’t figure out how to beat the best. Beating the Lynx tonight would chip away at that problem. Veronica Burton and Kiah Stokes will be defending Olivia Miles out there, so expect some serious action.
Coach Nakase Isn’t Feigning Anything
You know Head Coach Natalie Nakase isn’t about to pretend this is just another game, even if she’s playing it cool. She didn’t even feign enthusiasm about clinching the playoff spot, saying, “It’s just not my thing. And I don’t want to be fake. And goal is to be the team that wins their last game in the season. That’s the goal, and so with that, this is part of the process…” That’s a coach focused on the big picture, but you bet the Valkyries are hinting at an eagerness to finally get that elusive win over Minnesota. Tonight, 10 p.m. ET on USA Network, is their chance.
This game against the arguable title favorites isn’t just about pride; it’s about proving they belong in the championship conversation. If they can finally take down the Lynx, it makes that dream of a championship banner at WNBA All-Star 2027 in Chase Center feel a whole lot more real. Can they break the curse tonight? We’ll be watching every second!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Swish Appeal.
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