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00:00The W in points in the paint and for the Golden State Valkyries, Veronica Burton continues to steady the ship
00:06offensively for them.
00:07She has also been considered an all-star this year.
00:10For more of this matchup, we send it over to the third member of our team, Matt Lively.
00:14All right, thanks, Jordan.
00:15Minnesota has dominated this series 7-0 all-time against Golden State, but they played a close game on June
00:214th because, of course, they did.
00:23Minnesota, the number one offense in the league.
00:25Golden State, the number one defense in the league.
00:28And so you start to look at these numbers and think something has to give, and it might.
00:34That's because Minnesota also has the number two defense in the WNBA, and they want to remind people of that.
00:41Natasha Howard told me before the game that when she looks at Golden State defensively, it's almost like seeing each
00:47other in the mirror watching the same team out there.
00:50All right, Jordan.
00:51Thank you, Matt.
00:52And Cheryl Reeve, quite simply put, the most accomplished coach in the W.
00:56You're four-time WNBA Coach of the Year, four-time WNBA champion.
01:00As she gets set, the Minnesota Lynx, as we mentioned, they've won 10 of the last 11.
01:04The ball is tipped.
01:05It goes the way of the Valkyries, and it's Burton controlling with Miles defending her.
01:10We credit the defense for the Minnesota Lynx.
01:12Last game, they did a sterling job on the combo of Burton and Williams.
01:16The two combined for just 12 points in that one.
01:19Burton for three, can't connect.
01:20Stokes trying to tap it alive.
01:22Rebound to Coffey.
01:23And it's good to see some of those actions early on for the Valkyries offense.
01:27They looked a lot more stagnant in that first matchup against the Lynx.
01:31This Minnesota offense in the month of June has just been sensational.
01:36Williams, the mid-range jumper, no good.
01:38Rebound to Chechi Zandalicini.
01:41The three for Cabby.
01:43Williams can't get it in transition.
01:45That ball knocked out of bounds.
01:46That'll be Golden State basketball.
01:49And Natalie Nakase has one Coach of the Year honor.
01:52Last year, her first year ever as a head coach.
01:54She mentioned the biggest adjustment for the Valkyries in this second game against the Lynx.
01:58We have to defend Olivia Miles.
02:01Miles had 28 points, eight for 11 from three.
02:05A rookie record for most threes in a game in W history.
02:09Zandalicini to the cut, goes the last for two.
02:12Good lead by Chechi.
02:14Seen that right lane wide open and taking it all the way to the rack.
02:18She had a huge game back in Minnesota.
02:21Season-high 18 points on the road.
02:24Miles tied up, sandwiched between a couple of Valkyries.
02:27Stokes on the floor for the ball.
02:29It's a jump ball, and already, Morgan, you see the ferocity,
02:33the change defensively coming from Golden State.
02:35And what I say, if you love defense, you're going to love watching this game right here.
02:40The two going up on Miles.
02:42Miles trying to sell it, trying to get that foul.
02:44Kia Stokes flying for that ball on the floor, and now it's a jump ball in the middle.
02:50An interesting look we saw there.
02:51The previous matchup, the Valkyries were going underneath ball screens.
02:55You saw a bit of a late blitz right there against Miles as Howard and Stokes will jump,
02:59and the Lynx get the ball.
03:01And that was something that Veronica Burton said to us.
03:03They're going to have to throw so many different looks at this team.
03:06Williams contested by Burton, and a late whistle comes in.
03:10Three free throws coming up for Courtney Williams.
03:18It's a bit of a late whistle, and you always wonder,
03:22does the team use their challenge this early in the game
03:24when a starter gets a foul on a three-point shot?
03:27But it looks like there's just a little bit of contact there from Burton.
03:30You know, Burton trying to block that shot, and I think you're exactly right.
03:34She came down on the arm of Courtney Williams.
03:36Williams feeling that pressure and getting to the line.
03:40Williams, as we know, has led the W.
03:43And most mid-range jumpers attempted seven straight years.
03:48And so oftentimes, defenders will be thrown off by the fact that she'll shoot the three,
03:53and she can shoot very well because they're so used to her trying to get to the mid-range.
03:56Yeah, 52% of Courtney Williams' points are from the mid-range.
04:01So she loves getting to her spots, but you know she can shoot the ball from anywhere on the floor.
04:06And one thing about Williams and Miles, their consistency this season,
04:09they've hit a double figures in every single game.
04:12Not a single offensive lull from them so far this season.
04:16Burton the drive, dumps it off to Stokes.
04:18Stokes to Williams, her three from up top.
04:20Off target, Sandalosini, the offensive rebound.
04:23Williams cutting, knocked out of bounds by Miles.
04:25Ten on the shot clock for the Valkyries.
04:27And that's what you want to see if you're the Valkyries.
04:30Crashing the boards, getting in there, trying to get those second-chance opportunities.
04:35It's a three-point victory for the Lynx last game, a game that featured nine lead changes.
04:41Burton on the ground, Miles defending.
04:43Burton flares it out to Thornton.
04:46Here's Chetilia Sandalosini for three.
04:50She nexts it.
04:51And if you're a Chetche, it's good to see a shot go down early.
04:57She takes that dribble, gets a little bit of space, knocks it down.
05:02That's her first three made in the last four games.
05:07McBride, an easy drive to the cup as she gets two.
05:10A little miscommunication there by the Valkyries' defense.
05:14McBride recognized and just went all the way.
05:17McBride, six straight games and double figures and an offensive foul.
05:21We'll see who this goes against.
05:23That goes against Gabby Williams.
05:24So the duo oftentimes called sword and shield, each with one foul.
05:28But here's the three.
05:29You know, and for Zandalosini, she's 0 for 10 on threes over the last five games.
05:34So to get that early on in the bench, empowering her, give me more.
05:39And then McBride answers with this take all the way down the lane.
05:44So the crowd reacting to the replay felt like it was not a foul against Williams,
05:48but the two best perimeter defenders for the Valkyries each have an early foul.
05:52With less than two and a half minutes into this game.
05:55McBride, switch trigger, no good.
05:56Misses rim, rebound to Thornton.
05:59Williams rips it ahead.
06:01Miles retreating.
06:02Williams attacking her.
06:03Picked up the foul.
06:04You can tack one more on it.
06:08What a take by Gabby Williams.
06:11Ripping it through at the top.
06:13In transition.
06:15Pushing all the way down.
06:17Sees the rookie.
06:18Takes some contact and gets the line.
06:21Miles, no match for the miles per hour from Williams in transition.
06:25She'll get a chance to make it a three-point play.
06:31Free throw's good.
06:32The lead is three for Golden State.
06:37And look at this backcourt pressure, Jordan.
06:39You're seeing it early here from the Valkyries' defense.
06:42Burton defending.
06:43Miles whips the pass to Coffey in the corner.
06:45She pump-bakes drive.
06:47And that's going to be a blocking foul.
06:49And count the bucket.
06:51Coffey with the composure.
06:52She's able to sky for the lay-in.
06:54And another foul against Golden State.
06:56And it all started with Olivia Miles going downhill,
06:59getting that ball to Coffey.
07:01And what a take and what a finish.
07:04Seeing Kayla Thornton there.
07:05Thornton just couldn't get her feet outside of the restricted area.
07:09They're a little too late sending her to the line.
07:13Coffey has been so efficient over the last three games coming into this one.
07:17She was 10 of 17.
07:18Now 11 for her last 18.
07:21Makes it a three-point play herself to notch things up at eight apiece.
07:26The handoff.
07:27And Miles all of a sudden pounces on Williams.
07:30The ball squirts out.
07:31Burton's right there.
07:32Burton gets popped in the chops.
07:33No whistle.
07:35Burton with McBride defending her.
07:37Williams again into the paint.
07:39Williams fell to the ground.
07:41That ball is going to be off of Howard.
07:43And already, Morgan, we have a very physical game.
07:46But what you would expect between the two best defenses, Valkyries ball and three to shoot.
07:50You can feel a different edge here in the building as Gabby Williams right there was slipping
07:56as Howard came over, blocking it out of bounds.
07:59Three seconds.
08:00Valkyries have to be very quick here.
08:01The inbounds pass.
08:03It's going to sail to Stokes.
08:04She's not going to have much time.
08:06Williams has to try to put it up.
08:07Thornton to beat the Horn.
08:09Rainbow shot.
08:09We'll miss everything.
08:10Shot clock violation.
08:12Tough situation to be in against one of the top defenses.
08:15Just three seconds inbound.
08:16And that's exactly what it was.
08:18You saw Minnesota from the start of that shot clock putting the pressure on the Valkyries,
08:24making it go out of bounds and forcing that bad shot at the end.
08:26Second turnover of the game for the Valkyries.
08:29They average a league-low 11 turnovers per game.
08:31And there's a turnover for the Leafs.
08:33Williams, three defenders, retreat.
08:36And she'll reset the offense.
08:42Burton, the crossover against Miles.
08:44Stokes from the corner.
08:45That's going to be off target.
08:47Oh!
08:47Thornton was right there to knock it away.
08:49Williams skies for the offensive rebound.
08:55Zendalicini.
08:56Coffey retreating.
08:58Zendalicini through the contact.
09:01A thing of beauty.
09:02A chance for a three-point play.
09:08Zendalicini starting off strong on the offensive end right there, taking the contact from Coffey.
09:15Staying up in the air.
09:17Squares up.
09:18Oh, wow.
09:20What a shot and gets the line for the three-point opportunity.
09:23And what a bounce-back game for her.
09:25Played just nine minutes in the victory over Dallas.
09:29Had two points, one of three from the field already at seven points in this game.
09:33That's her average per game this season as Janelle Salon will check in.
09:38Sending Kia Stokes to the bench.
09:40You know, that's something about the Valkyries, too.
09:42They don't care what you did in that last game.
09:45They're just going to pump in that confidence game by game by game to tell you they know what you're
09:50thinking about.
09:51Keep going.
09:52Zendalicini undirected out of Italy in her fifth year has eight quick points as the Valkyries retake a three-point
09:59lead.
10:08And that's why she's been so good this season.
10:13Smart feed by Miles as soon as Howard had that seal.
10:17Feed the big fella and go all the way to right.
10:20That's a tough situation for the Valkyries to leave Salon there on an island.
10:24As Williams, with Coffey defending her, flares the pass.
10:28Salon will let it fly.
10:30Skips off the rim into the hands of Howard.
10:31Miles will bring it down.
10:33Keep it!
10:36Here comes the double off the ball screen.
10:38Miles, what a pass to Howard.
10:40She's checked by the rim, though.
10:45And then another fastball for Williams.
10:47They whip it around.
10:49Burton for three.
10:50Can't find the rim.
10:51And then Williams will throw a deep run.
10:54That's broken up by Burton.
10:55If you're the Valkyries, it's your turn right here to just attack and stay composed.
11:00Right on cue.
11:02It's Gabby Williams to the rim.
11:04Galloping for two.
11:06A lot of cross matches there.
11:08The defense didn't get back.
11:10Gabby recognized right away and took advantage.
11:12Williams already with more points than what she had last game.
11:15Turnover Minnesota.
11:16This crowd that they call Valhalla starting to warm up as their team has a three-point lead.
11:23Gabby Williams has been hot for the Golden State Valkyries.
11:28And right here, taking it all the way to the rim.
11:32Valkyries to execute in the fast break in the open court.
11:35And I think for the Valkyries, they just do such a good job of allowing the fewest points off turnovers.
11:41Well, this is wild right now.
11:43The Valkyries have attempted eight more shots than the Lynx right now.
11:47They're 5 of 14.
11:48The Lynx 3 of 6.
11:49All the points go in the hands of Williams and Zendalicini.
11:53The two have combined for the 13 that the Valkyries have.
11:56Kyla Charles into the game.
11:57And that's going to be an offensive foul against Veronica Burton.
12:00That's her second foul of the game with 4.40 left in the first quarter.
12:06And that's tough, Jordan.
12:08You see Veronica Burton.
12:09It's just a chaotic handoff right there.
12:11The DHO action.
12:13You've got to make sure that you're waiting for that basketball, too, if you're Kyla Charles.
12:18You've got to come off her shoulder and just have the timing perfect.
12:21It almost looks like she's trying to fend off McBride from stealing the ball.
12:24It's just a bizarre collision.
12:26So, several calls that the fans here have not loved.
12:30But either way, play goes on.
12:32Howard trying to work on the baseline.
12:34Thornton defending her.
12:35Howard.
12:35A flurry of fakes.
12:36Salon tries to come in and secure the rebound.
12:38Salon got hit in the mouth.
12:39And they're going to take another look at this here.
12:42Salon staggered backwards.
12:45There's a scrum for the rebound with Thornton and Howard as well, too,
12:49as we have the first substitution of the game here for the Lynx
12:55as Maya Caldwell checks in to replace Olivia.
12:58Everyone's getting hit in the mouth tonight right there.
13:02Yeah.
13:02Janelle Salon.
13:03Oh, I think she took maybe two elbows on that possession going up for that board.
13:08And Howard just going up, being aggressive with that rebound.
13:12So, the foul goes against Howard.
13:15Kaitlin Chen checks in for the Valkyries.
13:16We had 15 points off the bench the other night.
13:19Thornton for three.
13:20He hits the heel, rebound to McBride.
13:22But Charles pokes it away into the hands of Miles, who starts the break.
13:26Miles gets the angle.
13:27Miles fouled.
13:28And she'll go to the free throw line for two.
13:30And that was smart play by Olivia Miles.
13:32Not only did she stay with it to get the steal,
13:35but then you saw her pushing down that right lane.
13:37Kaitlin Chen should have come over and held.
13:40And instead, she got Charles on her hip right here.
13:44And then burst, explodes, the one hand goes to the line.
13:49And that's where she is so good.
13:50You talk to a lot of defenders in this league about what makes Olivia Miles so special.
13:54It's her change of pace.
13:56She can throw you off balance as a defender.
13:59Once you get on that hip, it's done, essentially.
14:02And we have seen her take guards, forward, centers.
14:05It doesn't matter.
14:05She can take them to the cup, but she's able to get both free throws
14:08and trim the lead to just one.
14:09And it's beautiful.
14:10It's at her pace, her speed.
14:12However she wants to go about it, she's able to go about it.
14:16And that'll be a foul against the Lynx as Chen was trying to pop free.
14:23The foul will go against Olivia Miles.
14:25And so far, it's been a rather tight whistle in this one
14:28as the two teams have combined for eight fouls already.
14:34Here's Hayes, the handoff from Thornton.
14:36Hayes, the dish.
14:37Chen down low, waits on it.
14:39Salon for three, in and out.
14:43The Valkyries just won for ten from three to start this game.
14:48And Jordan, they've had some good looks from beyond the arc.
14:51Miles, the jumper, no good.
14:57Hayes, this time gets Miles on her hip.
14:59The one-two step.
15:00Salon, clean look, pump fake.
15:02Sets the footsies, her three.
15:04It's here.
15:04Ah, beautiful.
15:07Get that ribbon dribble.
15:08Have Olivia Miles just go by us on that closeout.
15:12Gets the three.
15:13You talk to any shooter, it doesn't matter if you're one for ten.
15:16All you know is you're one for your last one.
15:18Miles left open.
15:19They chased her off the three-point line.
15:21What a pass inside, Caldwell can't complete it.
15:25Miles grabs her throw with disbelief.
15:27And Miles would have a couple more assists if her teammates could make some of those at the basket.
15:31Power had one right at the rim also.
15:33Chen looking for a little bit of help as Charles would come and get the pass.
15:37Charles, oh, the crossover to the rim.
15:40Can't get it.
15:41Salon fighting for the rebound.
15:43Caldwell pulls it away.
15:44Bodies everywhere.
15:46What's the call?
15:46That's going to be Salfrey's ball.
15:50And Janelle Salon on the offensive end of the floor doing a good job here.
15:57Pump fake.
15:57One dribble to the left.
16:00Beautiful shot.
16:01And then Charles protects that basketball as much as she could.
16:05And who's there to get it?
16:06Salon trying to get that rebound, rip it away.
16:09And you saw McBride get frustrated with that because she thought Salon maybe fouled.
16:14And instead, they're just going to call it out of bounds.
16:17That's the Valkyries ball.
16:18And 24 on the shot clock is the best thing for the Valkyries because it was going to be 2
16:23.4 seconds.
16:24So now they have plenty of time to work with it here as Kia Stokes checks back in to give
16:29the Valkyries some size.
16:30Hayes trying to get it in.
16:31Chen cuts.
16:32Back to Hayes.
16:33Stokes will hand it off to Hayes.
16:35Still plenty of time.
16:36Charles, she's open for three from the wing.
16:39No good.
16:40Stokes trying to keep it to herself.
16:41It falls into the hands of Howard who's able to secure it.
16:46Williams, pull up J, foul.
16:49So she'll go to the free throw line.
16:50Just a heads up jump shot by her to put pressure on the Valkyries defense.
16:54The mid-range assassin.
16:56Instead of going all the way to the basket in transition, she stop pops around the nail.
17:01And you see Chen maybe just make a little bit of contact.
17:04It's Stokes who actually gets her trying to block the shot.
17:07Hits her on the left arm.
17:08So Stokes will pick up her first foul.
17:12Courtney Williams will head to the free throw line.
17:17All of her points so far coming from the free throw line.
17:20She's got four.
17:21The Lynx seven of seven from the charity stripe here in the first quarter.
17:29It's a ball.
17:30So perfect eight for eight.
17:32Lead is two for Golden State with under 2.30 left here in the first quarter.
17:37B, M, D.
17:41Inside is Chen that rises up amongst the Giants.
17:45Great cut by Kaitlin Chen on the left lane and Charles finding her.
17:50Antonia Dallaire checking in as well as Anastasia Olakosu for the Lynx.
17:56Caldwell, no good.
17:57Stokes the rebound.
18:02Credit the Valkyries defense holding the league's top scoring offense.
18:06Just 14 points here in the first quarter so far.
18:09Chen, the drive, draws two.
18:11Salon gets to her spot, fires off target, skips off the backboard.
18:16That'll be Valkyries ball as Howard tapped out of bounds.
18:19And you see Janelle Salon looking over at the official saying,
18:23I got hit on the arm on that.
18:26Not sure if I actually saw the contact, but either way, Janelle Salon,
18:30you just want to make sure you're telling the refs what you're seeing,
18:33what you're feeling out there.
18:344.5 on the shot clock here.
18:36They get it to Chen.
18:37Chen has to be quick.
18:38Williams defending her.
18:39Chen long two against William rattles it home.
18:44Kaitlin Chen says, have a taste of your own medicine in the mid-range.
18:49Chen off the pine, two of two, four points.
18:51The lead is six for the Valkyries.
18:53The Lynx, zero fungals in the last four and a half plus minutes.
19:00Caldwell defended by Hayes.
19:03The drive from Caldwell rises up.
19:06Too strong.
19:06The rebound to Stokes is even stronger.
19:11Chen in transition, corralled by Kosu.
19:15Has the speed advantage.
19:17They'll widen things out for her.
19:18She goes to her left, draws to Hayes.
19:20Bounce pass, Charles.
19:21And a travel.
19:23But you see right there, the defensive shell for the Lynx.
19:27They do such a great job of not giving you any openings when you're trying to whip the ball around.
19:32And that's exactly it.
19:34And so Kaitlin Chen right here trying to find an opening against Courtney Williams.
19:38Not much of an opening, but instead just has the confidence to shoot over her as she creates just a
19:44little bit of space.
19:45It's the fourth turnover of the quarter already for the Valkyries.
19:49Williams, the drive.
19:50It's the first field goal for the Lynx since the 5.55 mark.
19:53And what a take by Courtney Williams attacking Charles all the way to the rack.
19:58Williams, an impressive seven points here in the opening quarter.
20:01Charles with the rock.
20:03Stokes to Hayes.
20:0511 on this shot clock.
20:06Hayes falls.
20:07And that's going to be a foul against Howard.
20:09And if it is, that's her second foul.
20:11So credit Hayes for attacking the rim.
20:14And Hayes is one of those players that is so good at attacking whatever space is in there.
20:24You saw right there, she's trying to create, she's trying to break down what the defense was giving her.
20:30Getting into the paint, getting fouled.
20:33That's an interesting development with Howard getting her second foul.
20:36She brings so much at that position for the Lynx and pairs so well with Coffey.
20:42The two really complement each other in the back, in the front court for the Lynx.
20:46But now Hayes will head to the line.
20:48At ten points off the bench and that victory against Dallas calmly hits the first free throw.
20:56Hayes in her 14th season out of Connecticut.
21:01It's played on a variety of teams but just brings that steady veteran presence on and off the floor
21:07and a lot of joy to the Valkyries' locker room also.
21:10Absolutely.
21:11She brings a lot.
21:12The joy, the leadership, and then someone that you can rely on when the offense starts to get stagnant.
21:19And a great downhill option off the bench as well too for the Valkyries.
21:22So both free throws are good.
21:23It's a six-point lead for Golden State.
21:25Just over 30 seconds left here in the first quarter.
21:28Williams running point.
21:30Williams double-teamed.
21:31They go out deep to try and put her down.
21:33She loses the rock.
21:34Gets it back.
21:35Dallaire.
21:36Eight left on the shot clock.
21:38It's back in the hands of Williams.
21:39Stokes to help double.
21:41Hayes, they scramble.
21:42Inside.
21:43Kosu can't get it.
21:44Trying to pop it again.
21:45Rebounded Charles.
21:47Valkyries will have a chance here.
21:50Hayes eyeing the clock.
21:51Four seconds left.
21:52Team tells her to hurry up.
21:54Hayes trying to get her shot.
21:55Off-fading away.
21:56No good.
21:58What an impressive defensive quarter from the Valkyries.
22:02They hold Minnesota due to 16 points.
22:05Throw line.
22:06And for Golden State, Gabby Williams and Tachilia Zandalicini scored the first 13 points.
22:11But then the top scoring bench in the league.
22:14That of the Valkyries had nine points already in the first quarter.
22:17You know, and with this Valkyries defense, they've allowed the Lynx to get some good looks in the paint.
22:22But the Lynx not making all their looks.
22:24They're 4-12 in the paint right now with eight points.
22:27It's just 0 for 1 from 3.
22:29They haven't really had too many attempts from outside.
22:31Williams picks up the dribble.
22:32The step through.
22:34Can't get it.
22:35Stokes trying to fight for the rebound.
22:37Kosu able to pull it away.
22:39Williams against Guy.
22:40And that's a second chance scoring opportunity for the Lynx.
22:43And way to stay with it for Courtney Williams.
22:46Going up for another floater to get that to go in the paint.
22:50Williams now with nine points to lead all scorers in this game.
22:54Hayes draws three.
22:55Flips it to Chen.
22:56She'll fire the triple.
22:57Oh, she is on fire, folks.
23:01Tiffany Hayes getting that pick and roll action with Stokes.
23:04Just collapsing the defense a little bit to get it to Chen.
23:07Kaitlin Chen has 22 points over the last game and a quarter so far.
23:12She has seven already at this one.
23:14Williams patrolling the baseline blocked by Charles.
23:25McBride checking Chen.
23:27Chen eschews the ball screen.
23:29Draws two.
23:29Rips a pass to Charles.
23:31Charles the drive.
23:32Spitting.
23:32Great health defense.
23:33Five stokes somehow rolls it in.
23:36That was impressive.
23:38The help defense was there.
23:39And for Charles to still get that one off to Stokes.
23:43Cutting.
23:45Timeout Minnesota.
23:47Golden State has opened up their largest lead of the game at nine.
23:52As Calcaries dishing out a golden performance so far in this one.
23:57They lead by nine over the top-ranked Minnesota Lynx.
24:00Let's take a look at the WNBA national TV schedule.
24:03Indiana and Atlanta.
24:04A rematch tomorrow will be great.
24:06And then you've got Chicago and Dallas also tomorrow as we get back to action here on the floor.
24:12And a lot of these teams in the league have just gone through a gauntlet of games.
24:14As Coffey can't get the bucket.
24:16Gets her own miss.
24:17Williams from outside.
24:19Able to cash in.
24:20The second chance opportunities.
24:22You see the Lynx battling on the boards.
24:25The best rebounding team in the league getting that.
24:29Gabby Williams back in the game for the Valkyries as well as Zandalicini who leads them with eight points.
24:37Stokes back to Chen.
24:38Six to shoot.
24:39Miles trailing her.
24:40Chen accelerates.
24:42Blocks Kosu all over it.
24:44Here come the Lynx.
24:48Miles with Williams defending her.
24:50Miles the drive.
24:52Elevate.
24:52Can't finish.
24:53She saw just a little bit of space.
24:56And again, turned on the Jets that first was there.
24:59Williams crosses over Williams.
25:02Can't get the lay-in though.
25:04We're seeing a lot of bunnies missed here.
25:06And Miles kicks it cross court.
25:09Courtney Williams inside.
25:10Coffey.
25:11Nice reverse lay-in.
25:13And a time-out now called by the Valkyries as Minnesota will cut the lead to four.
25:18Minnesota doing a great job just pushing that ball up the floor.
25:23And you see, once again, the defense coming alive for the Lynx.
25:29And then some beautiful passing on the other end of the floor.
25:33Spotlight presented by State Farm.
25:36Four-point lead for Golden State over Minnesota.
25:40And the Valkyries trying to do something they've never done before.
25:43Let's beat Minnesota.
25:44The Lynx have a 7-0 lead in the series.
25:47Average margin of victory, 14.
25:49But four games have been decided by 10-plus points.
25:53However, including one of the playoff games last year, there have been a handful of one-possession games.
25:58And you look at how the Valkyries have been playing all week long against some high-powered offenses,
26:03some really good teams.
26:04They've been playing together in some really good basketball.
26:07And now Veronica Burton is back in the game.
26:10Burton gets the re-screen.
26:11Williams has to put it up.
26:13Oh, doesn't even touch the rim.
26:16It's great to see Burton out there handling the basketball, finding Gabby Williams for three.
26:22Williams, eight points, three of seven from the field.
26:26Miles, the backdoor cut.
26:27Williams traces her.
26:30Salon, Coffey, the drive against Salon.
26:33No good.
26:34Stokes, another rebound.
26:36That's her fourth.
26:39Burton with McBride checking her.
26:42We'll hand it off to Salon.
26:45Williams, Coffey gets the switch under her.
26:47Stokes, one more pass to Burton.
26:49Burton sees three.
26:51Valkyries whipping around.
26:52Williams pumping to the rim.
26:55You, Gabby, Gabby!
26:57Sharing is caring.
26:59They pass that ball all the way around.
27:02Gabby Williams had to attack that closeout and get the two.
27:05Matches their largest lead of the evening.
27:07Ten points for Williams already.
27:09She had four in their previous game against the Lynx.
27:13Williams rolls a nice pass to Kosu.
27:15Kicks it back out to Williams.
27:16The pump fake.
27:17Williams rises off balance.
27:18Can't get it.
27:19Offensive rebound.
27:20No.
27:21Into the hands of the Valkyries.
27:22Here comes Burton.
27:26People thought Salon was going to pull up from there possibly.
27:30Here's Zandalasini with Miles on her.
27:33Zandalasini trying to get to respond.
27:34And that's going to be defensive three in the key called against the Lynx.
27:40They were caught sitting for a moment.
27:43And Gabby Williams, a few possessions ago, finds a little bit of space.
27:48Late shot clock knocks it down.
27:50And then here, Veronica Burton cutting without the basketball.
27:54They move the ball all the way around the horn.
27:57Back to Gabby Williams goes baseline for two.
28:01Williams can't convert the free throw.
28:03It'll be Valkyries' ball on the sideline as Kosu will check out.
28:09Howard returns.
28:10She has two fouls, keep in mind.
28:12So does Veronica Burton at this moment.
28:15Stokes has just been a real steady force, by the way, for the Valkyries.
28:19Defensive rebounding.
28:20Back to the pass.
28:21Intercepted by Miles.
28:22She read it already.
28:23Fifth turnover for the Valkyries.
28:26Miles going against Burton.
28:27Flips the pass to McDrive.
28:29McDrive.
28:29The drive.
28:30Back to Miles.
28:30Valkyries all over it.
28:33Miles.
28:34Stokes will switch on to her.
28:36Miles picks up the dribble.
28:37Williams frunting Howard.
28:39Here's Kofi.
28:40Shot clock at four.
28:41Miles this time with Salon on her.
28:44Miles inside to Howard.
28:45Has to scoop it up.
28:46Howard got it up but couldn't beat it.
28:49Williams chops it away.
28:50Quick hands from her.
28:51Kofi for three.
28:52And another punishing.
28:55Offensive rebound leading to a three for the Lynx.
28:57And what an effort by the Lynx.
29:00Miles at first, I thought, should have looked.
29:02For her three-point shot.
29:03When the shot clock was winding down.
29:05Tried getting it to Howard.
29:06They still got something off.
29:07Got the second chance opportunity.
29:09Eight second chance points for Minnesota already.
29:12Nandela Sadie sees three.
29:14Collapse on her.
29:15Gets caught in midair.
29:16Fishes into Salon.
29:17She'll fire.
29:18She can get next from outside.
29:21Janelle Salon loves shooting the three when a hand is in her face.
29:26Shooting 40% on the season.
29:28Valkyrie started this game one for 10 for three.
29:30They are four for their last six from outside.
29:33Kofi back-to-back triples for her.
29:36She's brewing up a beautiful game so far.
29:38How special is that hook pass from Olivia Miles?
29:41Just goes by so many different arms.
29:44Weaves through to fucking the open person.
29:46Kofi with 11 points.
29:48Salon can't match.
29:50Rebound to Williams.
29:51She races it down the court.
29:54Kicks it over Kofi.
29:55This has been the hot hand.
29:57Oh, pour yourself a grande.
29:59Three straight threes for Kofi.
30:01And Minnesota right back in this game.
30:06More Kofi lines, Jordan.
30:09Man.
30:09At the dad of four boys, I live off the substance.
30:12Very familiar with it.
30:13And we should be familiar with the game of Kofi.
30:17Three of three from outside in this one.
30:19Five of seven from the field.
30:2014 points.
30:22And it goes back to previous games.
30:24She's now eight for her last 11 from three.
30:27And you see how quickly the Lynx could just get back into the game
30:30with their ball movement and spacing.
30:32It's been beautiful.
30:33You see Kofi being in the right place at the right time.
30:37Relocating with wherever Olivia Miles is going and dribbling on the floor.
30:42You know she wants to be in her vision so she can see her.
30:46And that's exactly what's been happening here.
30:51So Minnesota came in leading the league in three-point shooting percentage.
30:56They are a four of five dazzling performance here in the first half.
31:03Well, here's a word from State Farm.
31:07You know who puts in the work like you, Caitlin?
31:10State Farm.
31:11They help you get the coverage that fits your life and budget.
31:13Speaking of work, I haven't taken a game off in almost 20 years.
31:17You got somewhere else to go?
31:18Maybe.
31:19No.
31:24That's been your hot hand.
31:26It's Kofi.
31:27And for the Lynx, you have to give them a lot of credit for not forcing anything
31:32and just finding the wide-open, high-quality shot
31:37and the flow of fast-break and half-court offense.
31:39And that's the thing with this team.
31:42They just play such good basketball together, and it doesn't matter who it is.
31:45And someone like Nia Kofi has changed teams five times in a 10-year WNBA career.
31:50And she feels like with the Lynx, she's so happy to find a home.
31:56Sandalus, you need a try and match.
31:58Ho-ho!
31:59Yes!
32:00You can always bank it, Chase.
32:03And we love a good, banked three-point shot here at Chase Center.
32:10Second game in a row, Kaitlin Shinn had one the other evening.
32:15Goffi, defended by Salah on the handoff to McBride, racing down the path.
32:19Can't get it.
32:20Big-time collision, though, as there is currently a pair of Valkyries on the floor.
32:25Howard picks herself up as well, too.
32:28Jordan, I mentioned it earlier with Zandalusini.
32:31She has not been shooting well over the last five games.
32:35Can't even knock down a three, and you're seeing here early.
32:37It doesn't matter where it is on the floor.
32:39She's finding her rhythm on the offensive end.
32:42Eleven points for Zandalusini.
32:44It's going to be Lynx's ball after the collisions on the miss.
32:49Leaves it inbound, give and go from Howard.
32:52Williams, a three.
32:53The miss into the hands of Williams.
33:00Zandalusini driving against the rookie.
33:02Touched it like a running back.
33:04Can't connect.
33:04Offensive rebound.
33:06Out to Thornton.
33:07Valkyries will reset it.
33:08Kirk was cutting.
33:10Charles, fortunately, there.
33:11These two defenders.
33:12Kirk, right now, the leather a little slippery here.
33:16Zandalusini, step back free.
33:17Oh, she is on a heater tonight.
33:20Find your rhythm.
33:24And Zandalusini has done just that here in the first half.
33:30Nine-point lead for the Valkyries.
33:33Coffee floats a pass.
33:34Howard catches finish.
33:35It's automatic down there.
33:37And what a pass by Coffee.
33:39And Howard obviously moving without that basketball, keeping it up high, and finishing on the left side.
33:44Howard two for five from the field.
33:46Lead still sits at seven for Golden State.
33:49Just under 2.30 left in the first half.
33:51Zandalusini trying to get the pass to Thornton.
33:54Too strong.
33:55Leaks ball.
33:57And Zandalusini once again feels out what the defense has given her.
34:03Sees Howard in that hand.
34:04Just takes a little bit of a dribble.
34:07Creates a little bit of separation to find her shot.
34:1014 points for Zandalusini in the first half.
34:13Miles with the left.
34:14Off-angle.
34:15Howard stumbling.
34:16Another offensive rebound.
34:18Miles able to save it.
34:19Charles all over her.
34:20Miles will lose it off the sneaker.
34:23Turnover Minnesota.
34:25And for Miles, who had 24 points in the first half against the Sparks in their last game,
34:31just two points, three turnovers, zero made fuel goals so far.
34:36You know, there's been a different pressure up on her, especially when she's handling the basketball.
34:41But you're seeing some open looks at the basket that she's just missing.
34:45The Valkyries have faced in a row Kelsey Plum, who was held to just nine points.
34:49Her average is 26.
34:50Paige Becker has held four points.
34:52There is her average.
34:53Zandalusini lets it go.
34:54Can't connect.
34:55Offensive rebounds into the hands of Thornton.
34:57Burton left all alone.
35:00Her three.
35:01It's good.
35:03Good.
35:04Good.
35:04Good.
35:06Veronica Burton knocking down her first shot of the game.
35:10It's a wide open three.
35:12New largest lead established for the Valkyries.
35:16Williams defended by Zandalusini.
35:19Williams dancing with the screen.
35:20Williams switches onto her.
35:22Here's Miles ready to get a running start.
35:24Gets to her left.
35:25Can't connect.
35:26A tough shooting night continues for her.
35:29Dangerous pass.
35:30Burton gets level.
35:31That's going to be a foul against McBride.
35:33And the Valkyries got lucky there.
35:34And Miles thought she got hit on that last take to the basket.
35:39And for Veronica Burton right there getting knocked down to the floor.
35:42Getting back up.
35:44She was feeling good here.
35:45Wide open.
35:46Nobody closing out on her.
35:49Thornton finding the open man.
35:51Beautiful shot.
35:52Valkyries six of eight from beyond the arc this quarter.
35:55Minnesota for a five.
35:59It says 4-4.
36:00But Williams did have a missed three from the handoff from Howard earlier.
36:05And so, Golden State, who last game against the Lynx, Williams and Burton combined for just 12 points.
36:12They have 13 already in the first out.
36:14Burton racing.
36:15Howard defending.
36:16Has those two fouls.
36:17They'll spread things out.
36:18The handoff to Charles.
36:20Charles.
36:21Gallop to the lane.
36:22What a take from her.
36:24And Charles goes aggressively downhill.
36:30Finishes on the right side.
36:32Howard upside.
36:34Checked by Thornton.
36:35Beautiful backdoor cut from McBride.
36:37You can't draw it up any nicer than that.
36:39And you know the Lynx offense can do exactly that all game long.
36:43They just got to get back in that rhythm.
36:45And right there, McBride does a good job of moving without the basketball.
36:47They have nine assists on 12 made field goals to do the Lynx.
36:51Just an excellent job showing the ball.
36:53Williams cross over the three.
36:55Off target.
36:55Rebound to Coffey.
36:5720 seconds left in this one.
36:58Lynx can hold for the final shot of the first half.
37:03It's Charles giving up some size right now to Howard down low.
37:07Not a true center on the court right now at the moment.
37:09For the Valkyries.
37:11McBride, the quick trigger from outside.
37:13She's fouled.
37:14Three free throws coming.
37:15Gabby Williams picks up her second.
37:18So a terrific possession there for the Lynx.
37:22You get a chance to go to the free throw line
37:24and take a 10-point lead down to possibly seven before the half.
37:27Yeah, McBride looking for her shot.
37:30And Gabby Williams didn't want to give her any space.
37:33She knows McBride can knock that down.
37:36And I think she got in her landing space, though, Jordan.
37:38They're going to take a look.
37:405.2 is left on the clock.
37:42And they are going to take another look at this play.
37:45A huge one here.
37:48It's either three free throws for the Lynx or a jump ball.
37:52So they're reviewing a reckless closeout at this moment.
37:57And I believe this is just for an upgraded foul, potentially.
38:00There's no challenge right now.
38:01So the free throws will come regardless for McBride.
38:05Yeah, and Gabby Williams did everything she could to close out on McBride.
38:10But I believe that is going to be a reckless closeout.
38:14She tried stopping her body, controlling her body in the air.
38:17Here in that landing space, McBride almost coming down.
38:21And it's such a tough situation because for Williams, you're thinking about Courtney Williams possibly driving downhill.
38:28But of all the players in this league, you have to be careful helping off of.
38:31And it's McBride, who's the number five all-time and made threes in the W.
38:37Got to that mark recently.
38:39And it's ruled a common foul.
38:41So three free throws still coming for McBride.
38:43Who, by the way, has the best free throw percentage of active players in the league right now at 89%.
38:51She's made 17 straight at the line.
38:55So hopefully this is not a broadcaster's jinx.
38:57And that is career free throw percentage, by the way.
39:01This season, she's at 89%.
39:03But for her career, she has been consistent at that 89%.
39:07Trails only, Becky Hammond by 0.2%.
39:10Jordan, are you surprised at all that that wasn't a reckless closeout?
39:14I know that McBride landed before Gabby's foot actually got to come under.
39:18But I just thought, if anything, she didn't get to control her body.
39:22And there's a lot of chaos there.
39:23I agree.
39:24It wasn't too much I saw from Gabby Williams.
39:29And in my opinion, she didn't come in recklessly.
39:33She was trying to hit the brace.
39:35McBride came forward just a little bit.
39:36I think their knees might have made contact.
39:38But it wasn't anything egregious, in my opinion.
39:40It's McBride.
39:41Didn't you just say, commentator's curse, that she missed the first free throw?
39:45I did.
39:47You don't want to see her in the hallway.
39:48No, I don't.
39:49I'm running after this game.
39:51McBride, one of two so far.
39:53Here's the third one.
39:54She hits two of three, makes an eight-point game.
39:57The Valkyries will have enough time to get one more shot attempt off.
40:02Lynx have a foul to give if they want.
40:04Williams gets by McBride, but steps on the sideline.
40:08And so now the Lynx will have a chance as they usher Olivia Miles back into the game.
40:13It's the seventh turnover, excuse me, eighth turnover for the Valkyries of the half.
40:18And fantastic pressure by McBride there.
40:20Just understanding where Gabby was on the floor and the game clock winding down.
40:25If the Lynx score on this, pin this moment in the game, this is a huge potential possession here.
40:31Miles looking to get it in.
40:33Coffey comes up.
40:34She has three threes already.
40:36Coffey fouled on the shot attempt.
40:39She'll get three free throws.
40:41Gabby Williams immediately points to her bench, asking for the review.
40:46This crowd can't believe it.
40:49Coffey had to shoot it with the left hand.
40:53The question is, did Kayla Thornton hit her right elbow at all?
41:01So right now, the decision comes to whether or not the Valkyries are going to challenge.
41:05And yes, they will.
41:06Natalie Nakase wants to challenge.
41:08What do you see here?
41:09You know, this one's tough because you see Gabby Williams reaching with that left arm, left hand,
41:16possibly coming down on her arm.
41:18And Gabby, you don't see this often from Gabby Williams.
41:22She's not staying composed.
41:23She's getting very frustrated with them not looking at her.
41:26So it's the third foul against Gabby Williams.
41:29Back-to-back fouls on three-point shooters when the Valkyries had a ten-point lead.
41:35And there's going to be no challenge of this.
41:38So what was once a ten-point lead could possibly be a five-point lead off of two fouls.
41:55And Gabby's loving the crowd cheering what they're cheering.
42:01Three free throws are good for Coffey.
42:03So the Lynx walk back the Valkyries.
42:05Then the final 15 seconds, it's a five-point lead for Golden State.
42:10She's averaging 19 points a game, leading all rookies in the W, sitting at just two.
42:15But for Minnesota, they know she is capable of scoring in bunches.
42:19Has Stokes on her.
42:20The step-back can't find it.
42:21They give it back to her.
42:22Shot clock winding down.
42:23Miles has to fire well beyond the arc.
42:26In and out.
42:26Offensive rebound to Howard.
42:28McBride left for a wide-open three.
42:31And another offensive rebound to a three.
42:33Minnesota living on that.
42:35And great job by Howard getting that rebound.
42:38Their first and second chance points.
42:40And right there, they needed that.
42:42It's an 8-0 Minnesota run going back to late in the second quarter.
42:46Williams bounce pass to Burton.
42:48They work it around.
42:49Zandalicini in the corner.
42:50Defended by Williams.
42:52Burton backdoor cut.
42:53Williams one more pass.
42:55Thornton, she has a chance for three.
42:57Rolls it in.
42:58Couldn't knock that down in the first half.
43:01And right there with just a little bit of movement from Burton cutting through,
43:05getting that ball around to get that open three.
43:08First point of the game for Kayla Thornton, who was an all-star last season.
43:13Inside.
43:14Howard with Williams defending.
43:16Williams with three fouls.
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