--- title: "Coffey, Williams lead Lynx past Valkyries 81-75, stay WNBA’s best" description: "Minnesota survived a sluggish start and Golden State’s run with a third-quarter surge, tightening their grip on first place while the expansion Valkyries learned the hard way how to close games." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/nia-coffey-scores-22-points-as-1st-place-lynx-overcome-slow-2951572f published: 2026-07-01T16:13:03.239+00:00 updated: 2026-07-01T16:13:03.239+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["basketball"] --- # Coffey, Williams lead Lynx past Valkyries 81-75, stay WNBA’s best > Minnesota survived a sluggish start and Golden State’s run with a third-quarter surge, tightening their grip on first place while the expansion Valkyries learned the hard way how to close games. The first-place Minnesota Lynx weathered a slow start and Golden State’s four-game win streak to escape with an 81-75 victory on Tuesday night. Minnesota trailed at halftime before outscoring Golden State 27-17 in the third quarter to pull away. Nia Coffey delivered 22 points, while Courtney Williams stuffed the stat sheet with 21 points, 12 rebounds, and five assists. Napheesa Collier, the Lynx’s usual go-to scorer, managed just eight points on the night. The Lynx improved to 14-4 and tightened their hold on the top spot in the WNBA standings. Golden State, the expansion Valkyries, absorbed their first loss since their four-game run, falling to 5-13. Minnesota’s depth proved decisive, with Coffey and Williams shouldering the offensive load when Collier struggled. The win marked the Lynx’s sixth straight victory, their longest streak of the season, and extended their home-court advantage streak to seven games. This result underscores a broader trend in the WNBA: contenders like Minnesota thrive when their stars share the burden. The Lynx’s ability to win without Collier at full strength—she’s averaging 19.3 points per game—signals a dangerous flexibility. For Golden State, the loss exposed the fragility of their late-game execution, a recurring issue since their expansion debut. Their fourth-quarter collapse against Minnesota followed similar struggles against Seattle and Las Vegas earlier in the month. The Lynx’s third-quarter surge wasn’t just about scoring; it was a tactical shift. Coach Cheryl Reeve adjusted rotations to exploit Golden State’s defensive lapses, deploying a smaller lineup that forced mismatches. Williams’ rebounding and Coffey’s slashing created second-chance opportunities, while the bench—led by Damiris Dantas’ 10 points—kept the pressure on. The Valkyries, meanwhile, struggled to contain Minnesota’s transition game, allowing 14 fast-break points in the quarter. Golden State’s offensive woes deepened in the fourth quarter, shooting just 38% from the field after halftime. Their inability to generate consistent looks against Minnesota’s disciplined defense highlighted the gap between an expansion team and a perennial contender. The loss also marked the Valkyries’ third consecutive game decided by five points or fewer, a pattern that suggests systemic issues in clutch execution. “It’s about resilience,” Williams said after the game. “We knew we had to step up when our leader wasn’t at her best, and that’s what we did.” What’s next: The Lynx continue their road trip with a game against Dallas on Thursday, while Golden State looks to regroup against Phoenix on the same night. ## Why this matters The Lynx are showing why they’re the WNBA’s standard-bearer, using depth and composure to outlast a hungry expansion team. Williams and Coffey stepping into primary roles—even without Collier’s usual production—confirms Minnesota’s title credentials. For Golden State, this loss exposes the gap between hanging with contenders and closing out tight games, a lesson they’ll need to learn fast. The win also reinforces the Lynx’s status as the league’s most consistent team, while the Valkyries must address their late-game execution if they hope to climb out of the standings basement. The tactical adjustments by Reeve and the bench’s impact further illustrate why Minnesota’s system is built for playoff success, not just regular-season grind. ## Frequently asked ### How did the Lynx overcome a slow start against Golden State? Minnesota trailed at halftime but dominated the third quarter 27-17, with Nia Coffey and Courtney Williams leading the charge. Their depth and resilience flipped the deficit into a comfortable lead. ### What were Courtney Williams’ key contributions besides scoring? Williams filled the stat sheet with 21 points, 12 rebounds, and five assists, showcasing her all-around impact. Her work on the boards and playmaking stabilized the Lynx when Napheesa Collier struggled. ### How many wins do the Lynx have this season? The Lynx improved to 14-4 with the win, maintaining their grip on first place in the WNBA standings. Their record reflects their consistency as a championship contender. ### What’s next for the Golden State Valkyries after this loss? The Valkyries fell to 5-13 and will look to bounce back against Phoenix on Thursday. This loss highlights the challenge of closing out games against elite teams. ### Did Napheesa Collier have an off night? Collier, Minnesota’s primary scorer, managed just eight points, her quietest output of the season. The Lynx still won thanks to Coffey and Williams stepping up in her absence. ### How long is Minnesota’s current winning streak? The win marked the Lynx’s sixth straight victory, their longest streak of the season, and extended their home-court advantage streak to seven games. ## Sources & Citations - [Nia Coffey scores 22 points as 1st-place Lynx overcome slow start to beat Valkyries 81-75](http://www.espn.com/wnba/recap?gameId=401857005) — ESPN (2026-06-20) --- Cite: Coffey, Williams lead Lynx past Valkyries 81-75, stay WNBA’s best. Sportopod, 2026-07-01. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/nia-coffey-scores-22-points-as-1st-place-lynx-overcome-slow-2951572f