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00:00It was an all-star last season.
00:03Inside, Howard with Williams defending.
00:05Williams with three fouls, able to bow up.
00:07Miles, she'll on cork a three.
00:10Two strong, long rebound in the hand of Williams.
00:12Inside it's Howard who has Williams all alone by herself and puts it in for two.
00:19Howard doing a great job sealing off people down low to get those open looks.
00:25And another player missing some of those bunnies in the first half.
00:28Making that one easy.
00:30When you get the sense she's going to wake up here in the second as Williams can't get the turnaround.
00:34Howard now with six points, averages 17 a game.
00:39Williams will get the screen from Howard, bounces it to her.
00:41Williams.
00:43Nice find out, Howard who rumbles to the cup.
00:45And what a pass.
00:46The two-man game right there with Williams and Howard.
00:50A little pocket pass leading her to the back there.
00:53Howard back-to-back buckets, makes it a one-point lead for the Valkyries.
01:00That's a kickball for Miles.
01:02And that's one thing that the Lynx do so well in these Cheryl Reeve is halftime adjustments.
01:06And here's one of them right here.
01:08Yep, that's exactly it, Jordan.
01:09Just making sure to connect and just getting in that simple action right there.
01:14Howard popping off, cutting down the middle.
01:17And Courtney Williams with the perfect pass leading her.
01:19Kyla Charles will check in for Gabby Williams early in this third quarter.
01:26Zandalicini the handoff.
01:27Miles defending her.
01:29Zandalicini step back into the three.
01:31Too strong.
01:32Rebound McBride.
01:33The Lynx can take the lead on this possession.
01:37Defense!
01:39Defense!
01:40Defense!
01:40Defense!
01:40They go to Howard once more.
01:41Has the size advantage.
01:43Zandalicini coming over the double.
01:45Howard gets it in.
01:45She's flexing on the Valkyries.
01:47And the Lynx have taken the lead.
01:49I don't blame her for flexing on that one.
01:51What a strong move getting around Charles down low.
01:55Eight points to begin the second half.
01:58And the Lynx have regained control of this one.
02:01Burt trying to shake Williams.
02:03Williams sticking on her.
02:05Zandalicini the drive.
02:07Trying to back down Miles.
02:08Fading away.
02:09Zandalicini puts it in.
02:12Zandalicini.
02:13Chechi turn around jumper in the midrange.
02:16You're just seeing a whole different confident play from her than we've seen this week.
02:21She's got 16 points.
02:22Too shy of her season high.
02:24That one ripped away by Charles.
02:26Burton stepping on the gas.
02:28Flares a pass to Thorpe.
02:30She thought about it for a moment.
02:31This drive.
02:32Picked up by Howard who just wraps her up.
02:35That ball will bounce out of bounds.
02:37And Howard just a moment ago on the other end got the mismatch with Charles down low.
02:43Look at her just take a few dribbles.
02:46Battle through.
02:47Finishing on the right side and flexing on everyone.
02:50Ten points.
02:51Five rebounds for Howard who has three double-doubles on the season.
02:55Burton has to get it in.
02:56Stokes is the safety foul.
02:57Hands it back to Burton.
02:59Sandwiched in the corner.
03:00Burton trying to get it out.
03:01Throws it on a Lynx player.
03:03And that will be Valkyrie's ball with ten to shoot in the deep corner.
03:07Yeah, and Kia Stokes shouldn't have handed that one back to Veronica Burton
03:11who was so vulnerable in that corner as that double came over.
03:16Burton to inbound once again.
03:19Zandalicini with Williams.
03:21The fake.
03:22Zandalicini for three.
03:23Rattles out.
03:25I love seeing her not hesitate.
03:27What a find by Miles up ahead.
03:29Williams gets behind the secondary.
03:30Can't finish.
03:31Coffey comes over the top, rips away the rebound.
03:34Burton scrapes herself up.
03:35Williams tees up a three, catches in.
03:38Ooh, the offensive rebound leading to another second-chance opportunity.
03:43And Courtney Williams is blowing kisses to this crowd.
03:48Seven offensive rebounds.
03:50Make that eight offensive rebounds for the Lynx.
03:53They continue to find gold on their second-chance opportunities.
03:56It's Courtney Williams with a three and some smooches for Valhalla as the Lynx inch ahead by two.
04:06Welcome back.
04:08Minnesota 53-51 lead.
04:10And Courtney Williams bearing a three before the timeout.
04:13She went on her Stud Buds podcast earlier this week and said that Valkyries fans were bullies.
04:18She's having a lot of fun with them right now.
04:20Every time she touches the balls, being showered with booze.
04:24But Williams with 15 points is proving to be on the right side right now.
04:27And gets the block on the other end defensively.
04:30So she's the one doing the bullying on the floor at the moment.
04:35Williams to the corner of McBride.
04:37The pump fake.
04:38Coffee.
04:39Another triple.
04:40Can't get it.
04:41Rebound to Stokes.
04:42The Lynx offense just getting the Bounders to ship left and right.
04:46Puttons it for Kip.
04:48This coffee comes over and just erases it.
04:53Howard.
04:54The handoff to McBride.
04:55Nearly lost the handle.
04:59Williams patiently waits for the screen.
05:01It's Howard rolling.
05:02Williams mid-range jumper.
05:04Can't find it.
05:05Stokes gobbles up another rebound.
05:07Can't get it to roll in.
05:08But they've had some good looks on that end of the floor.
05:11Burton with just three points so far in this one.
05:14You wonder when she will start getting going for the Valkyries.
05:17Zandalosini to her left.
05:18Wrapped up by Miles.
05:20She'll go to the free throw line for two.
05:22And then you're seeing the Lynx defense come alive.
05:26Right here, Courtney Williams on Veronica Burton gets that block.
05:31Doesn't even need to blow kisses to the crowd.
05:34And then right here, another block.
05:36Get out of my paint.
05:39Zandalosini will head to the line for the two free throws.
05:42A team-high 16 points.
05:45Six of ten from the field.
05:50First one's good.
05:51The NWSL returns to Ion Saturday, July 4th with a doubleheader.
05:56Coverage begins at 6 p.m. Eastern with the North Carolina Courage versus the Seattle Reign,
06:01followed by the San Diego Wave versus Gotham FC.
06:06Salon and Chen will check in for the Valkyries.
06:11Kosu also on the floor for the Lynx.
06:14And Zen Lissini has tied her season high, which she had June 4th at Minnesota.
06:19With still over 15 minutes left in this game.
06:24We've seen the Lynx go to a heavy dose of Howard in the paint.
06:29The last couple of possessions.
06:31Miles playing with it on a string.
06:32Miles ditches it inside.
06:34What a catch from Kosu who goes up for two.
06:36And what a finish by Kosu.
06:38All those arms by the Valkyries surrounding her, and she's still found the way.
06:44Chen, the crossover.
06:46Working against Miles.
06:47Cross score pass.
06:49Salon relocates to the corner.
06:51Tough shot!
06:52Oh, it is so good!
06:55Janelle Salon only loves a tough-looking three.
07:00Knocking down another one.
07:0220 points for the Valkyries bench, just two for the Lynx bench.
07:07And look at this.
07:08Chen driving it down, getting it to Salon.
07:10Cross the court.
07:11One dribble.
07:12Rhythm.
07:13Howard Tan in her face.
07:15Not enough.
07:16Zen Lissini picks up her first foul.
07:18Side out for the Lynx.
07:19Here comes McBride.
07:21This is it over to Kosu.
07:23Kosu!
07:24Bothered.
07:25Howard.
07:25Pulls down the rebound.
07:26Miles outside three.
07:28Can't connect.
07:30Zen Lissini up ahead to Charles, who was streaking ahead.
07:34Miles breaks it up.
07:36And then Charles coasts it away from behind.
07:39The hustle's rewarded.
07:40Here's Chen.
07:41Three on one.
07:42Zen Lissini to the ramp.
07:45She's foul.
07:45Free throws coming up for her.
07:47Oh, we are going up and down the floor.
07:52The depth of the Valkyries is something they flexed.
07:56They don't have a single player that plays more than 30 minutes.
07:59And they're all chipping in now.
08:00And right there you saw Charles come behind Olivia Miles, poke that run away, get it to Cechi in transition
08:07down the left side.
08:09Howard with the foul.
08:12San Lissini, who we mentioned over the last couple of games, has been almost nonexistent on offense.
08:19Now has a new season high, 19 points against the top-rated defense for the W.
08:29And that round of applause is for Leticia Amihir.
08:32She was excellent in the early part of the season and in the preseason.
08:38There's a lot of toughness and a great rebounder as well, too.
08:43She comes in at a critical juncture.
08:44Yeah, five minutes over the last two games, after four games of not playing, it's good to see her back
08:51out there.
08:52Caldwell back on the floor for the Lynx.
08:54McBride trying to find some daylight.
08:56Her long two is good.
08:59And that's exactly where the Lynx can just keep finding their rhythm in the openings.
09:03And there's another steal.
09:05A turnover by the Valkyries.
09:07The Lynx forced to steal.
09:08Williams there for the offensive regatherer.
09:11The lead goes back to the Lynx.
09:14Courtney Williams has just been dynamite tonight for Minnesota.
09:19It's really set the tone for them as far as just their energy and hustle throughout the evening.
09:24Yeah, on the defensive end, you're seeing her with that perimeter pressure.
09:27And then on the offensive end, finding her teammates and creating.
09:30A foul on McBride.
09:32That'll be just her second personal.
09:34And then Kayla McBride.
09:37Second personal.
09:38She's good on the defensive end, being able to steal that basketball fourth in the league.
09:43But right there, missing the easy one.
09:44Courtney Williams says, I got you.
09:47Tiffany Hayes comes in.
09:49Rosanda Lassini.
09:50And one thing to keep in mind, Gabby Williams has played just 16 minutes in this game.
09:54She does have the three fouls, but she was checked out pretty early in the third quarter.
10:00She's sitting on 10 points.
10:02Salon nearly wrapped up by Caldwell.
10:05Hayes up top.
10:06Shot clock at five.
10:07Caldwell trying to stay in front of her.
10:09Hayes.
10:09Dump out.
10:10Steps through the defense.
10:10Caldwell comes over to get the rebound.
10:12And Charles thought she deflected it off of Caldwell, but that'll be Link's ball.
10:17You can always rely on Tiffany Hayes to split the defenders, especially with those handles.
10:22And they're showing the replay on the Jumbotron.
10:24It's looking like it should have been Valkyrie's ball, but D up.
10:28Olivia Miles currently out of the game with three fouls and just two points.
10:32McBride off the give and go.
10:34Tough take as she is sent to the floor.
10:36Him would have passed by Howard.
10:38The cut by McBride.
10:39It was all so beautiful.
10:41Seven straight games and double figures for McBride.
10:47It's the largest lead of the game for the Lynx.
10:49Charles, a near turnover.
10:50Ten with the pass to Salon.
10:52Down low.
10:53Can't get it.
10:54Somehow volleyballed in.
10:55Stick with it and good things will happen.
10:58Salon knocking that one back in.
11:01Lynx with just the one-point lead.
11:03Over two minutes left here in the third quarter, and that's going to be a foul.
11:07Going against Charles.
11:09A little off-ball action.
11:11Look at that.
11:12The give and go action with Howard McBride.
11:15McBride is just so good at this.
11:17Moving without the basketball.
11:19That burst of energy that she gets to create just a little bit of separation to get open around the
11:26basket.
11:26Gabby Williams will check back in for the Valkyries.
11:30So the team to shoot for the Lynx.
11:33Amihir retreating.
11:34Salon out on top.
11:36Amihir gets the arms up and gets a deflection.
11:38Eighth turnover for the Lynx.
11:42Now it's Chen behind the back.
11:44The Ripple called well.
11:45The ball pressure.
11:46Charles to cut.
11:48Charles Pippenny wrapped up Salon right there to put it in.
11:51The Valkyries take the lead.
11:53All starting with that off-ball movement once again.
11:57Salon cleaning it up.
11:59The Valkyries bench bomb doing it once again.
12:02Howard blocked by Amihir.
12:03Oh, Amihir got another one.
12:06Access to nine.
12:15Amihir coming in big on Howard.
12:19Blocking that one away.
12:20Blocking that other one away.
12:22What a beast down low.
12:24And then you see Charles.
12:25She loses that one.
12:27No, give her the assist.
12:28That goes to Salon.
12:29It sends Paul Hala into a fever pitch right now.
12:3311 on the shot clock for the Lynx.
12:40Williams.
12:42Defended by Amihir.
12:43Left alone.
12:44Her mid-range jumper professional grade.
12:47And you see Amihir in that drop.
12:48Trying to stay active with those feet.
12:50Not knowing if Courtney Williams was going to try to take it to the rack.
12:54No, she stopped Hopp exactly where she wanted to be.
12:56Dallaire back on the floor for the Lynx.
12:58Chen picks up the dribble.
13:00Dumps it off to Williams.
13:0110 to shoot.
13:04Caldwell.
13:05One of the better on-ball defenders.
13:06Draped over Charles.
13:07Charles poked away.
13:08Dallaire got a hand in there.
13:10Good hands by Dallaire.
13:12That's what you want to see from the Lynx.
13:13More activity along the perimeter.
13:16Caldwell turns the corner.
13:17Bothered by Amihir who pulls down the rebound.
13:21And Amihir found on the other end nearly 90 feet away from the basket.
13:28Leticia Amihir hasn't had a lot of minutes these last few games.
13:32They're showing up big in this one down low.
13:37Just that bolt of energy off the bench defensively.
13:40A couple of blocked shots and a stop here or there.
13:43He's helping lift the Valkyries here under a minute left.
13:47Here in the third.
13:48Chen trying to shake Caldwell.
13:49Salon with Howard on her.
13:51Howard pokes a hand in there.
13:52Salon somehow able to save it.
13:54But getting on the floor is Kosu.
13:56And then the Lynx will bring it back down the other way.
14:01Williams, that's her spot.
14:03Williams can't get the bounce of me here.
14:05Another rebound.
14:06It's almost more surprising when Courtney Williams misses one of those.
14:10It truly is.
14:11About a 12-second differential between shot and game clock.
14:17Dallaire out on an island with Chen dribbling.
14:20Shot clock now at 7.
14:21Chen starts to pick up steam.
14:23Chen deflected by the Lynx.
14:25They force another turnover.
14:27Williams can't get it, though,
14:28as the Lynx cop it up on the other side.
14:31In great hands by the Lynx defense once again.
14:34But to throw it up the floor and throw it away,
14:36only 12 seconds left in this one.
14:40The seven steals for the Lynx on the evening
14:42has forced 13 turnovers for the Valkyries.
14:45Eight seconds left to go.
14:47Williams gets the screen from Chen.
14:49Splits two defenders.
14:50Williams in the paint.
14:51Salon for three.
14:52And it's right.
14:53Beat the horse.
14:53Can't get it.
14:54I mean, here's one more time.
14:55Is it good?
14:56They'll take another look.
14:57The officials wave it off.
14:59But as for a review,
15:01Coach Nakase felt Amihir got fouled when she went up.
15:06It's ruled no basket.
15:08And I don't think she got it in time.
15:10But what an impressive effort from Amihir.
15:13The moment she stepped on the score.
15:16Look at the rebounding.
15:17She has eight of the 28 rebounds from the Lynx.
15:21She's done a great job crashing the board, pushing it up the floor,
15:25and obviously being able to score that basketball.
15:27She'll start this fourth quarter on the bench, though.
15:29And Olivia Miles will be back in the game,
15:32who has just three points and three fouls.
15:35Gabby Williams, who's been rather quiet here in the second half.
15:38The crossover.
15:39Shakes Dallaire tries to find the angle.
15:41Can't get the roll.
15:42Rebound to the Lynx.
15:46Salon late to get in the action.
15:47Numbers right now for the Lynx.
15:49Coffey trying to make them pay.
15:51She does.
15:52Cascades that lay-in in.
15:54And way to capitalize by the Lynx.
15:56As soon as they recognized, they had the four and five opportunity.
16:01Charles off the ball screen over to Salon.
16:04Williams cutting back doors.
16:05Salon didn't find her.
16:08Charles.
16:09Double-team.
16:12It's Williams again with an expiring shot clock.
16:15DeLair trying to stay at home.
16:16Williams dropped.
16:17Rock.
16:18He's just got off the window.
16:19And what an aggressive attack by Gabby Williams.
16:22Getting that angle and finishing on the right side.
16:25Williams down with 12 points.
16:27She's averaging a career-high 16.3 points per game
16:31in her first year of the Valkyries.
16:33For Minnesota, keep in mind,
16:35Nafisa Collier, last year's runner-up in the MVP race,
16:38still out after those ankle surgeries.
16:41As Coffey, who's been stepping into her shoe,
16:43can't get it to drop.
16:47Williams pushing the break.
16:48Chen flips it over to Charles.
16:51Charles wants to work against Caldwell.
16:53Kicks it out to Williams.
16:55Salon, the pump fake.
16:57Charles in the corner, her three.
16:59And credit Minnesota.
17:00They were all over every pass.
17:03Miles playing with the Rock in transition.
17:05No good.
17:06Falling away.
17:07It's going to be a loose ball foul as Coffey was trying to put it in.
17:11The second chance opportunities for the Lynx has been absolutely incredible in this second half.
17:17The effort has been there.
17:18They're staying with it in finding position.
17:21And you see Nafisa Collier, who was really, she and Courtney Williams were the only returning starters from a team
17:28that posted the most wins in a regular season last year for Minnesota.
17:32Then they had some big offseason departures.
17:34Alana Smith, Jessica Shepard, and then Bridget Carlton, who went via the expansion draft to Portland.
17:40Many people weren't sure what to expect with this Minnesota team.
17:43Did they get the number two overall pick via a trade with Chicago that they made that delivers Olivia Miles?
17:49And here they are, atop of the standings once again.
17:52You know, and Cheryl Reeve has talked about some of these players and what they could do in free agency.
17:57And the fact that they decided to stay here in Minnesota and just help this team grow, she says she'll
18:03never forget it.
18:06Coffey, the second Lynx player at 19 points.
18:10She now ties in to Lassini with a game-high 20.
18:16Two-point lead for the Lynx.
18:18Eight minutes left in this ballgame.
18:21Williams trying to take the rookie.
18:23Coming over.
18:24It's Kosu with another timely block.
18:26Fantastic help by Kosu as she tries to take it to the rim.
18:29And then Kosu lowers the shoulder.
18:31Offensive foul.
18:32Kaitlin Chen put her body on the line.
18:36Sacrificing her body.
18:37That's what Kaitlin Chen does.
18:38Sometimes she seems like she could be the smallest player out there on the floor, but no.
18:43She plays like the biggest right here.
18:46Taking that bump.
18:47It's going the other way.
18:51Chen off the ball screen from Ami here, who has given a defensive spark off the bench.
18:57Williams whips a pass.
18:58Charles, the drive.
18:59Williams beats her to the spot.
19:01Charles loses it.
19:02Turnover.
19:03Here come the Lynx.
19:09McBride working off the ball screen.
19:11Trying to take Chen.
19:12Screams and one.
19:13Doesn't get the whistle, but another tough bucket for her.
19:16What a finish by McBride.
19:17Just working her way down.
19:19Taking some contact and still finishing.
19:22The lead is four for Minnesota.
19:24Williams the crossover.
19:25Ami here getting to the spot.
19:27Fighting for contact.
19:29Balls on the floor.
19:30Williams picks it up.
19:31The Lynx have been locking down the last couple of possessions.
19:34You know, Ami here took that power dribble, and that's exactly when you saw the defense
19:38able to recover.
19:39Right now, the Valkyries just can't manufacture clean looks via the defense.
19:44When will Miles get going?
19:45Now is the time.
19:47And one opportunity for her.
19:49The rookie rising up at a key moment.
19:52Ooh, and you're feeling the energy from the Lynx.
19:54This is giving them a little bit more confidence.
19:56Miles working her way down into the paint, taking that bump from Kaitlin Chen,
20:02and then going bumping chest with McBride.
20:07So the lead expands to six, the largest of the game for the Lynx.
20:12They are showing poise, confidence, and toughness down the stretch.
20:17And the Valkyries now are scrambling for some offense at this moment.
20:25Williams.
20:26Burton returns into the lineup.
20:29Ami here stays in the game.
20:30Williams for three to try and trim the lead.
20:33No good, rebound, Minnesota.
20:36The Valkyries are now 10 of 29 from beyond the arc.
20:40Some of those shots are just looking short.
20:43Williams, the jab step, her mid-range jumper.
20:45No good, rebound, controlled by Ami here into the hands of Williams.
20:50Up ahead, Burton on the wing.
20:53The crowd wanted her to fire that one.
20:55Zandalosini, strong drive, cross-court pass.
20:58Burton for three.
20:59Zandalosini, no good.
21:01Ami here and Williams wrestle for it.
21:03Burton might get another look.
21:04Williams this time, her pass.
21:06It's good.
21:08Gabby Williams crashing the board, getting the offensive rebound, passing it out, but getting it back, getting rewarded in the
21:16corner.
21:16You feel like the Valkyries just willed themselves to a basket on that last possession.
21:21Still a four-point lead for the Lynx.
21:23McBride scoops it up with the left.
21:26That is so good.
21:27It looks so effortless.
21:29You see that from McBride.
21:30You see that from Miles.
21:31They're missing a lot of those in the first half.
21:34They're starting to go down here in this second half.
21:36Timeout called by the Valkyries.
21:38The lead is six for Minnesota.
21:42McBride sitting on 15 points.
21:45We see Gabby Williams crash the board, getting that offensive rebound, the second chance opportunity, relocating to the corner, getting
21:55that three, and then McBride on the other end.
21:58The scoop shot.
21:59It's good.
22:08Golden State trying to snap the seven-game skid against the Lynx.
22:13That's the all-time series matchup.
22:15Veronica Burton said earlier today she didn't need to be reminded of that.
22:19She says that the Lynx play just such a steady game, and they play a complete game.
22:23One mistake, and they'll take advantage of it.
22:26They've done that in the second half.
22:28And Zandalicini couldn't take advantage of that mistake, and it's another stop for the Lynx.
22:33The Valkyries, two of nine from the field here in the fourth quarter.
22:36Just still trying to stay with it.
22:39You can't hesitate.
22:40You've got to stay confident with those shots.
22:42McBride, her runner, no good.
22:44A Mihir flying in.
22:45That's knocked out of bounds by Coffey.
22:47And they're getting so many better looks in the paint in this second half.
22:50They had 16 points in the paint at the half.
22:53They have 36 points in the paint.
22:55The Lynx have just been attacking.
22:57Burton trying to attack herself, and she is fouled.
23:00So Burton will go to the free throw line.
23:06And I believe it'll actually be a side out, so no free throws coming for Burton.
23:12But that's one thing that they are just trying to do with the guard position right now
23:16is find that dribble penetration to collapse the defense for the Lynx.
23:19And for Veronica Burton, that's exactly what you have to keep doing.
23:22She's one of six in this game, but she's got to stay with it.
23:26Salon popping out.
23:27Her three over the outstretched arm.
23:29Another near miss.
23:30Williams fighting for the rebound.
23:32Able to get it from Courtney Williams.
23:35Burton again puts her head down, and it's Howard that jumps into the driving lane.
23:38This time, Miles looking to help.
23:40Salon over to Burton.
23:42Pocket pass.
23:43A Mihir trying to fight for it.
23:45She's able to pick up the foul against Howard.
23:47Free throws coming.
23:49You saw that first initial pass from Janelle Salon when she attacked,
23:53trying to get that ball to Burton.
23:54If she could only get into that shooter's pocket,
23:56make it a little bit more crisp than Veronica Burton could get a look from three.
24:00But instead, they feed it to a Mihir down low.
24:05So a Mihir will step to the free throw line.
24:08A Mihir looking for her first points in the last couple of games.
24:11No good.
24:11Here's a word from State Farm.
24:14Caitlin, you know State Farm sees everything,
24:16so you get coverage that fits your life and budget.
24:19You mentioned.
24:20I see everything, too.
24:21Like the shot clock looking down on me.
24:24Well, he does no math.
24:27Okay, that is cool.
24:31And a Mihir misses the pair.
24:34So that I will register as a stop for the Lynx.
24:37They're up six, under five minutes left in this ball game,
24:40trying to pick up another road win.
24:42The turnover from Miles.
24:44Salon is all over it.
24:49And this is a Minnesota team that's currently six and one on the road this season.
24:53And Burton, the crossover, Miles pokes away at it.
24:56They're going to call it off of Burton.
24:59Minnesota ball, the quick hands from the rookie.
25:01The rookie just staying with it, mirroring that basketball, knocking it down off Burton.
25:11Now you feel like Minnesota's just one or two made shots from really starting to put this game away.
25:17Williams trying to get the first one.
25:18She can't connect.
25:22Williams running the wing, going against Coffey, will retreat the dribble.
25:27This Minnesota defense so well connected.
25:30The seams are narrow.
25:31Williams can't get it up.
25:32He's here trying to fight for it.
25:33Burton able to find it.
25:35Salon, wide open three.
25:37And now he'll be here again.
25:38Wrestling for the rebound.
25:40He'll go to the free throw line once more.
25:42It's another foul against Howard.
25:43That's going to be number five against Howard.
25:46Twelve offensive rebounds for the Golden State Valkyries.
25:49Doing a good job crashing the board, staying with it.
25:52But you've got to convert here.
25:54You've got to knock down these free throws.
25:57Salon, three for nine from outside.
25:59She's had a lot of threes that have just gone in and out.
26:02They're right there at the rim.
26:03And now it's up to a knee here to start hitting some free throws.
26:09Short on that one.
26:10The WNBA is back on ION next Friday.
26:13Coverage begins at 7 p.m. Eastern with the Washington Mystics versus the Connecticut Sun,
26:17followed by the Portland Fire versus the Chicago Sky.
26:22You hear the encouragement from this crowd here at Valhalla.
26:26Hoping a me here can hit the second free throw.
26:28It's good.
26:30Now just a five-point lead for Minnesota with 3.45 left to play.
26:37If you're the Lynx, you just continue to attack the paint.
26:40That's where you found most of your success.
26:43It smiles.
26:44Back out to Williams.
26:46Zandalusini staying in front of her.
26:48Coffey, the left-handed drive.
26:49She bounced it off her foot.
26:52That'll be Valkyrie's ball.
26:53Valkyrie's defense doing a much better job, not allowing them to penetrate in the paint.
26:58Much more resistance there.
27:00And a standing ovation coming from this crowd for Leticia Mee here,
27:04who hasn't played much in the last couple of games,
27:06but definitely stepped up when her number was called in this one.
27:11Kayla Thornton will check back into the game for her.
27:17Zandalusini defended by Miles.
27:19Zandalusini looking to shake her.
27:21Still sitting on her career high of 20.
27:23Fading away.
27:24Tough shot.
27:25Miles will rebound.
27:26And a quick timeout called by the Lynx.
27:28Excellent on-ball defense from one Olivia Miles.
27:32And Zandalusini couldn't get that one to go.
27:34We'll be right back.
27:44They missed their last six shots.
27:46And their last field goal came at the 6-10 mark.
27:50And for the Lynx, their defense, you give them a lot of credit,
27:54it's the number one defensive rating in the W.
27:56But then offensively, they continue to crash the glass,
27:58and they're getting quality looks inside.
28:00And Olivia Miles starting to find a little bit more of her footing here in the second half.
28:07Thornton that switches out onto her.
28:10Koffi rips it through.
28:11Koffi baseline able to sneak it in.
28:13What a big shot for her.
28:15And you saw Gabby Williams switch on McBride,
28:17and as soon as they realized that,
28:20they got it to Koffi quick,
28:21who just ripped it through and went baseline.
28:23Lynx 50% from the field here in the fourth quarter.
28:27Burton to Salon.
28:28Salon, the left-handed drive.
28:30Salon hit mid-hair.
28:32Follows around this and puts it in.
28:34Staying with it, that's what you want to see from someone like Janelle Salon,
28:38who drives it in, can sometimes be chaotic there,
28:41but just the effort was there to go back up with it.
28:44Salon with 15 points in this one.
28:49Miles.
28:50Here's the re-screen.
28:53Courtney Williams, Lissandra Lassini defending her.
28:56Williams looking to go baseline.
28:58Spin move, Williams rises, beats the Cano.
29:02They're going to say she didn't beat the shot clock,
29:05and that'll be Valkyrie's ball.
29:07What a move from her, though.
29:08She had the Nash dribble and then the misdirection going back up on the left side.
29:14This was so impressive.
29:15Courtney Williams with the double-double in this game,
29:18and then looking for hers there.
29:19Yep, no good.
29:20That's no good, and Minnesota's going to use that challenge,
29:23and it's clear as day that that shot wasn't good.
29:28Okay, I was like, do I need glasses?
29:29No, you don't need glasses.
29:31You were good still.
29:32You got some great vision still, Morgan Reagan.
29:34Oh, thank goodness.
29:36Yeah, I thought that was pretty obvious,
29:38so it is surprising that they are going with this challenge
29:41with two minutes left in this game.
29:43The only thing I can think of is with 2.05 left,
29:45regardless of whether or not the challenge is successful,
29:48you're going to do something here to draw up your defense
29:50because every possession becomes that much more critical now down the stretch here.
29:54Yeah, and you really just want to keep the Valkyries out of the paint.
29:58Obviously, they're going to look for theirs from beyond the arc,
30:01but you've seen that perimeter pressure there from this Lynx defense.
30:04It's all about not allowing them to penetrate to get those good looks,
30:08to get those sprays.
30:12The Lynx are 55% from 3 for this game, 6 of 11.
30:17The Valkyries, 11 for 34, just 32%.
30:21That's one thing about the Valkyries defense.
30:24As exceptional as it's been all season long,
30:26as you take another look, ball is clearly in their hands.
30:28They have given up one of the highest three-point field goal percentages
30:32to opponents this season.
30:34They've been giving up 39% shooting from outside,
30:37and so far you see the Lynx are shooting 55% from the perimeter.
30:43Yeah, and for the Valkyries, you know,
30:46a lot of that has to do with just not being able to get that first rebound.
30:50You see these offensive rebounds for the Lynx.
30:54They've done such a good job of passing it out,
30:56and sometimes those are the best-looking threes is off of an offensive rebound.
31:00The defense is just mixed everywhere.
31:02Let's take a look at the WNBA national TV schedule.
31:05Tomorrow at 1 Eastern on ABC, it's Indiana at Atlanta,
31:07then at 3 p.m. Eastern, Seattle at Phoenix.
31:09Tomorrow night at 8 Eastern on CBS.
31:12Chicago at Dallas, then Sunday at 4 p.m. Eastern on CBS.
31:16Golden State will travel to Las Vegas,
31:18and then Sunday night, the nightcap New York at Los Angeles on ESPN.
31:22For more of these games, please go to WNBA.com or visit the WNBA app.
31:26Under two minutes left.
31:28The Valkyries desperately need a bucket here.
31:31Burton with Howard.
31:32Howard has five fouls.
31:34Burton's trying to find her opening.
31:35A three in the eye of Howard.
31:37No good.
31:38Zandalasini trying to fight for the offensive rebound.
31:40Miles able to claim it even with the goggles sliding down.
31:43Good defense by Howard.
31:45Staying on Burton, not allowing her to see anything.
31:48Zandalasini has to be careful.
31:50She bumps Miles.
31:53Not in the bonus yet,
31:54but you saw that she was probably trying to go for the steal from behind.
31:58And you want to be careful with those.
32:00You're exactly right.
32:01Like, how can you just try and go for that basketball,
32:04not just run into someone chaotically here at the end.
32:0890 seconds left.
32:10Mick Bride trying to get it inside to Howard.
32:13Coffee, the pump fake.
32:14Flips it out.
32:15Miles, the drive.
32:17Step back three from the rookie.
32:19No good.
32:20Rebound to Thornton.
32:21She slaps it with authority.
32:23Valkyries have to hustle here.
32:27Burton, the handoff to Zandalasini.
32:29She's trying to turn the corner.
32:31Lost the handle, but a foul comes in.
32:35It's the fourth team foul against the Leagues.
32:38And a good attack there.
32:40And it's Howard that picks up her sixth foul.
32:43A huge development with under 70 seconds left.
32:46Wow.
32:47Howard just coming down on Zandalasini there.
32:51And a great attack by Chechi.
32:581-0-9 left.
33:00Side out here for the Valkyries.
33:04Kosu checks back in.
33:07Thornton trying to get the dribble handoff.
33:09Well denied by McBride.
33:11It's Salon.
33:13Salon.
33:13The 1-2 step.
33:14Walled up on a late whistle.
33:16Comes in again.
33:17The Lynx can't believe it.
33:18They don't have a challenge left.
33:19So two free throws coming for Salon.
33:22That was tough.
33:23I thought Kosu was playing some pretty good disciplined defense here.
33:28You see the body.
33:29Oh, yep.
33:30She just comes down with that arm just a little bit.
33:33Didn't stay vertical.
33:34Sending Salon to the line.
33:36In Minnesota, they do such a wonderful job with on-ball defense.
33:39And then that help is always there in the driving lanes.
33:43Salon misses the free throw.
33:46So the Valkyries have missed four free throws in this quarter.
33:50They're 9 of 14 on the game.
33:57Salon steadies herself.
33:59Misses them both.
34:00That ball saved by Minnesota.
34:04That was close.
34:06That was close.
34:09Under a minute left.
34:11Miles getting to her right hand.
34:13Players have passed.
34:14Williams.
34:15McBride left all alone.
34:16And get the dagger.
34:18Up ahead.
34:19Zandalicini streaking.
34:21Quickly picked up by Coffey.
34:23Zandalicini.
34:24The drive.
34:25Flips it out.
34:26Salon.
34:27Bassett to Thornton.
34:28A three.
34:29No good.
34:30Williams the rebound.
34:31Quickly wrapped up by Burden.
34:32And time is now the enemy of the Valkyries.
34:35They have had their looks from outside.
34:38But the shooting woes in the fourth quarter.
34:40They will rue those because they have just not been able to buy a bucket in the last ten minutes.
34:45And you saw the Lynx defense speeding them up there.
34:49Zandalicini trying to curl down the middle.
34:51Had to pass it out.
34:52The ball was scrambling everywhere.
34:54And then Thornton's shot was short.
34:56Three of 18.
34:59It's hard to beat anybody in the W shooting that way in the fourth quarter.
35:02Especially the team atop the standings in the Minnesota Lynx.
35:06Well, that.
35:06But then also, when you're missing those free throws out there.
35:09Oh, a turnover.
35:10Careless pass.
35:11Salon for three.
35:12Nearly flipped this game over, but then a loose ball foul.
35:17And Burden will be the shooter.
35:21So that one goes against McBride.
35:23There's 26 seconds left.
35:25And Veronica Burden will go to the free throw line for her first free throws of the night.
35:32Just an absolutely careless turnover on the inbounds pass.
35:36Careless, and then getting even a good look for Janelle Salon.
35:3958% of her shots are from three-point land.
35:41She's been able to make them, but not tonight.
35:44And, Mo, I go back to the final minute of the first half.
35:47It was a ten-point lead for Golden State.
35:49And it was back-to-back fouls on three-point shots by the Valkyries.
35:53They also turned it over.
35:54That led to five free throws made for Minnesota.
35:58And here they are.
36:00They lead by four.
36:01It's a tough one to look back at.
36:04Burden hits a ball.
36:05Three-point ball game.
36:0626 seconds left.
36:07Timeout called by Minnesota.
36:09One timeout remaining for both teams.
36:15So strategy-wise, the two-second differential between shot and game clock,
36:19I imagine if you're the Valkyries, you're looking to foul here.
36:21You've got to find a way to extend this game because if you allow Minnesota to use this entire shot
36:26clock
36:27and they get a bucket, that's curtains.
36:28Yeah, you want to foul early if you're going to foul because you don't want them to also get around
36:33that three-point line,
36:36get undisciplined, and foul someone while they're just trying to throw something up.
36:40Foul quick.
36:41Get them to the line.
36:41Stop the clock.
36:45The WNBA family commemorates Juneteenth by honoring the history and heritage of the black community.
36:51Today and every day, we honor the values of freedom, family, and tradition.
36:55What do these values mean to you?
37:00And for Minnesota, you just want to get this ball in cleanly into your best free-throw shooters.
37:06You look across the court.
37:07Obviously, McBride is your number one option.
37:10She's shooting 89% on the season.
37:13Courtney Williams, 7 of 9 on the season.
37:16She hasn't shot a lot of free throws in this game, though.
37:18She's 5 of 5.
37:19And here's what's at stake.
37:21The Lynx can move another game ahead of the Valkyries.
37:25Golden State trying to reel them in.
37:28The last game in Minnesota was a three-point decision.
37:31Olivia Miles went off with 28 points.
37:33She's been capped to her lowest total of the year.
37:35It's just five points right now.
37:36But it was Coffey that came up huge.
37:4022 points.
37:413 of 4 from beyond the arc for the Lynx.
37:44And that's what the Valkyries defense has been trying to do.
37:47Make the others beat you.
37:49But you see how stacked Minnesota is.
37:52Everyone's able to knock down shots, especially tonight.
37:55Miles is a 91% free-throw shooter also.
37:58It's McBride that inbounds it.
38:00Burton quickly fouls.
38:01Williams nearly poked it away.
38:03And so Courtney Williams will go to the free-throw line.
38:06We mentioned 12 of 14 on this season.
38:12She's sitting on 19 points.
38:15Three-point lead at the moment for the Lynx.
38:17Just one free-throw will make it a two-possession game.
38:23It's somewhat poetic that it comes down to this.
38:27Courtney Williams would mention that the fans here at Ballholla could be bullies.
38:32We'll get a chance to play the ultimate bully if she can hit this free-throw.
38:41And a couple of kisses to the 18,000 strong and consecutive 36th sellout here for the Golden State Valkyries.
38:51Five-point lead with 24.2 remaining for the Lynx.
38:56I love that energy from Courtney Williams.
38:58And what a big game from her.
39:00A double-double.
39:0121 points.
39:0212 rebounds.
39:03Five assists.
39:04She's been huge.
39:06Some people embrace the role of the heel.
39:08She's been doing a wonderful job of it tonight.
39:10And kudos to her.
39:1221 points, as you mentioned.
39:13The double-double with the 12 rebounds.
39:16In Minnesota's upcoming schedule, they'll have a pair of games against Washington coming up here.
39:22This is a team that has been dynamite on the road this season.
39:256-1 on the road so far at this point.
39:29Without Nafisa Collier.
39:30We remind you, they can get even better as the season goes on whenever she comes back.
39:35Then they'll be at the wings, at Liberty.
39:38And then home against the Sun.
39:40So, Minnesota cruising through the season so far.
39:45And they've just been so impressive all season long.
39:48And Cheryl Reeve even said, hey, this is where we want to be at the beginning of the season.
39:53But basically, this is the same type of play we have to have later on in this season.
39:58It's still early.
40:00The Valkyries have hit just three three-pointers in the second half.
40:04They're one for ten in the first quarter.
40:06They hit seven threes in the second quarter.
40:09But just three made threes since then, they are shooting 29% on 11 of 37 from outside.
40:17Tiffany Hayes checks in.
40:21Two or three here for the Valkyries.
40:24Three.
40:25The pass up above.
40:26Chechi resin fouls her three.
40:29Executed to perfection.
40:30Two-point lead for the Lynx.
40:32Miles wrapped up.
40:34Miles cuffing the ball.
40:36It's going to be a foul coming in from Hayes with 15.9 seconds remaining.
40:40And what a pass.
40:42And what a look.
40:43And you get the sense the Valkyries could have stayed on the trap a little bit longer there.
40:47I thought so.
40:48I thought maybe if they were just a little bit more disciplined.
40:50But you see this pass by Tiffany Hayes.
40:53The dribble.
40:54The shot by Zandalasini, who has been struggling from three-point land the last couple of games.
41:01Right there knocking down the biggest one of the games.
41:04Valkyries do not have a timeout remaining.
41:08Now Miles, who has struggled scoring this evening.
41:12Her previous low was 13 points.
41:14She's sitting on five with a chance to put this one away.
41:17And cool, calm, and collected cashes in the first free throw.
41:21It's like I said at the beginning of the broadcast.
41:23She's a rookie because she sure doesn't play like one.
41:27Not at all.
41:28Her 15.9.
41:29There's still a decent amount of time left for the Valkyries to get a bucket, foul on the other end.
41:34This is the big free throw here.
41:36Miles hits a pull.
41:38Just the presence of a seasoned vet.
41:41That's been the difference in this game.
41:42The Lynx 18 of 20 from the free throw line.
41:45The Valkyries 11 of 17.
41:49Valkyries missing some huge free throws, especially here late in this game.
41:54Missing some wide open threes.
41:56But really, it's those free shots at the line that you've got to make.
42:00A three makes things very interesting here.
42:03Hayes to inbound off the reset timeout.
42:05Zandalicini, the catch caught by Miles.
42:08Read it like a book.
42:10What a defensive play from Olivia Miles.
42:12She knew exactly where the shot was coming from.
42:15A huge defensive play by Olivia Miles.
42:19Coming over, getting that block.
42:22No foul there as Chechi was looking for another one.
42:27She's something special.
42:29Even on a night, if she doesn't come close to her scoring average,
42:34back-to-back possessions to help ice this game, Olivia Miles.
42:38The two free throws, the block shot now with a four-point lead.
42:41Kosu at the line.
42:45First one's good.
42:46And then credit these Lynx for hitting their free throws.
42:48They came in as a team.
42:53Ninth in the W, shooting 78% from the line.
42:55They are over 90% tonight.
42:58It's been impressive to see,
42:59especially Olivia Miles not having the best game on the offense event,
43:03but coming up with one of the big defensive plays at the end.
43:0621 of 23 are the Lynx.
43:07Just a championship performance from the line this evening.
43:10Williams with under 10 seconds left.
43:11Flips it to Zandalicini.
43:13Zandalicini checked by Williams.
43:15Zandalicini well off the mark.
43:16It's Miles with the rebound.
43:17And that will do it.
43:19The Minnesota Lynx scratch out a victory on the road.
43:22They come into Ball Halla,
43:24and they are the chosen ones this evening.
43:2881-75.
43:29It's Coffey with 22 to lead all the Lynx.
43:33Courtney Williams with 21.
43:35McBride with 17.
43:36We'll be back in time.
43:36We'll be back.
43:36We will be back.
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