WNBA Recaps: Valkyries Make Franchise History in Minnesota as Reese Dominates the Glass in L.A.

Monday night’s WNBA slate delivered a historic franchise milestone in Minneapolis and a monumental rebounding display in Los Angeles. Golden State picked up its first-ever victory over Minnesota, while Atlanta built on its postseason positioning behind another record-setting performance from Angel Reese.

Golden State Valkyries 80, Minnesota Lynx 66

• Game Action: Entering Monday night 0–9 all-time against Minnesota, Golden State broke through behind a dominant fourth-quarter closing stretch. Up 63–57 early in the final frame, the Valkyries went on a decisive 14–1 run. Cecilia Zandalasini sparked the surge, scoring eight of her 18 points in the fourth quarter with back-to-back three-pointers.
• Key Stats: Gabby Williams scored 15 points, while Veronica Burton recorded 14 points and nine assists. Minnesota struggled offensively without starting guard Courtney Williams (ankle), who missed her first game in 122 contests. Napheesa Collier was held to nine points.
• Milestone: Minnesota rookie Olivia Miles recorded her 225th assist of the season, passing Ticha Penicheiro for the second-most assists by a rookie in WNBA history. With the win, the Valkyries get a huge boost knowing that they can beat the mighty Lynx if they meet in the postseason.

Atlanta Dream 78, Los Angeles Sparks 71

• Game Action: Atlanta completed a California road sweep by turning back a late Los Angeles rally at Crypto.com Arena. The Dream pulled ahead in the final minutes behind interior dominance and active defense, holding the Sparks to just 35% shooting in the second half.
• Reese’s Glass Mastery: Angel Reese delivered a historic rebounding performance, pulling down a staggering 26 rebounds (18 defensive, 8 offensive) to go along with 11 points and three steals. The 26-rebound mark set a single-game WNBA and Atlanta franchise record.

Playoff Picture Impact: Golden State’s upset victory over Minnesota brings the Valkyries to 26–11, trimming Minnesota’s cushion for the overall No. 1 seed as the regular season reaches its final week. Meanwhile, Atlanta (25–13) tightens its grip on the No. 4 seed, creating space over Indiana and New York in the race for first-round home-court advantage.