The Golden State Valkyries have completed a number of firsts, becoming the first expansion team to reach the postseason in its first year. Is the franchise’s first playoff win next?
The No. 8. Valkyries will host the No. 1 overall seed Minnesota Lynx on Wednesday, Sept. 17, in Game 2 of the best-of-three first-round WNBA playoff series. The matchup won’t be at Chase Center, where Golden State sold out all 22 home games and set a WNBA attendance record. Instead, the Valkyries will be playing at SAP Center at San Jose (home of the NHL’s San Jose Sharks) due to a scheduling conflict.
‘We have faith in our fans that they’re going to continue to show out for us,’ WNBA’s Most Improved Player Veronica Burton said. ‘Wherever we play, we’re going to bring our basketball. So, we’re confident, we’re excited, it’s another opportunity to compete.”
The Valkyries will need all the help they can get in slowing down MVP candidate Napheesa Collier, who had 20 points, six rebounds, two assists and one steal in the Lynx’s 101-72 Game 1 victory. The Lynx controlled the glass (36-26) and the paint (44-18) in their dominant 29-point win.
Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase called out Game 1’s officiating, saying she wants ‘a fair fight’ in Game 2. The Valkyries attempted 27 free throws in Game 1, compared to 24 for the Lynx.
‘We’re playing the No. 1 team,’ Nakase said. ‘We’re playing the best team in the league. They don’t need no help. This team is great. They’re stacked. They play well. They play beautiful basketball. They’re coached well. They don’t need the help.’
Here’s what you need to know for Game 2 between the Valkyries and Lynx:
What time is Minnesota Lynx at Golden State Valkyries?
The Golden State Valkyries host the Minnesota Lynx at 10 p.m. ET (7 p.m. PT) on Wednesday, Sept. 16, at SAP Center at San Jose in San Jose, California. The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN.
How to watch Minnesota Lynx at Golden State Valkyries: TV, stream
Time: 10 p.m. ET (7 p.m. PT)
Location: SAP Center at San Jose (San Jose, California)
TV channel: ESPN
Streaming: ESPN+, Disney+, Fubo (free trial to new subscriber
The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.