"MINNEAPOLIS The Valkyries opened their first-ever playoff game against the Minnesota Lynx with a promising start. The expansion team was hitting shots, getting stops and looked comfortable in front of a rowdy Minnesota crowd for Game 1 of the teams' first-round playoff series. But the Valkyries' momentum evaporated quickly as the Lynx's star power, again, proved to be too much. Golden State dropped Game 1 on the road 101-72 as it couldn't stop Minnesota's high-octane offense after holding an early lead in the first quarter."
"Cecilia Zandalasini and Veronica Burton each had 14 points to lead the Valkyries. Temi Fagbenle had 12 points all coming in the first half. MVP candidate Napheesa Collier had 20 points and six rebounds for the Lynx. Kayla McBride added 17 points. Natisha Hiedeman came off the bench and had 18 points. Minnesota shot 51.5% from the field and hit 21-of-24 free throws."
The Valkyries began Game 1 with strong shooting, active defense and a seven-point advantage after the first quarter. Minnesota responded in the second quarter with a 12-3 run, superior free-throw shooting and control of the paint. The Lynx shot 51.5% from the field and made 21 of 24 free throws. Golden State managed only 33.9% shooting, committed 16 turnovers and used a short early rotation. Napheesa Collier scored 20 points for Minnesota while Cecilia Zandalasini and Veronica Burton each scored 14 for the Valkyries. The Valkyries have lost all five meetings versus the Lynx.
Read at www.mercurynews.com
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]