Bleak box scores for Steph Talbot and Alanna Smith

• Australian Opals centre Alanna Smith didn't take a shot in 26 minutes for the Lynx
• Australian Opals forward Steph Talbot went 0-from-3 in 11 minutes
• How to watch every game of the 2025 WNBA season in Australia

Basketball is tough sometimes and for Australian Opals teammates Alanna Smith and Steph Talbot, today was one of those days as the undefeated Minnesota Lynx (7-0) held off the Golden State Valkyries 86-75 at Chase Center in San Francisco on Monday, June 2, 2025.

Smith, a defensive powerhouse, didn't take a shot in 26 minutes but was +1 in her minutes, grabbing three rebounds, two assists, a steal and two blocks while Talbot was 0-for-3 in 11 minutes off the bench but was -20 in her minutes. Talbot pulled down three rebounds, had a steal and a block.

Meanwhile, WNBL champion Veronica Burton had herself a ball game for the expansion franchise Valkyries, dropping 21 points on 7-from-11 from the field, including going 3-from-5 from down town. She added five rebounds and three assists to a rock-solid box score.

Napheesa Collier's 24-point, 11-rebound double-double helped maintain Minnesota's perfect record.

Key Details

• Result: Minnesota Lynx 86 def. Golden State Valkyries 75
• When: 2nd of June, 2025
• Where: Chase Center, San Francisco
• Standings: Minnesota Lynx | Golden State Valkyries

By the Numbers

• Napheesa Collier (Minnesota) starred with 24 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, two steals, and one block in 37 minutes.
• Veronica Burton (Golden State) scored 21 points, and had five rebounds, three assists, and one block in 24 minutes.

What Happened

The Lynx established control early, jumping out to a 27-23 first-quarter lead behind Courtney Williams' hot shooting. Minnesota maintained their advantage heading into halftime with a slim 51-52 edge, but it was their dominant third quarter that proved decisive. The visitors outscored Golden State 17-8 in that pivotal period, extending their lead to 68-60 heading into the fourth.

With eight minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, Natisha Hiedeman hit a clutch three-pointer to push the Lynx lead to 15 points, effectively ending any hopes of a Valkyries comeback. The home team struggled to generate consistent offense down the stretch, managing just 15 points in the final period as Minnesota closed out their seventh straight victory.

Collier's efficient 8-from-18 shooting and commanding presence on the glass highlighted her all-round brilliance. Williams added 20 points on 8-from-17 shooting, including three triples, while Kayla McBride contributed 16 points and six rebounds. For the Lynx, their balanced attack featured four players scoring in double figures, with Australian Alanna Smith making her presence felt defensively with two blocks.

The Valkyries were led by Burton's 21 points on an efficient 7-from-11 shooting, but received little consistent support elsewhere. Kate Martin provided a spark off the bench with 14 points, but Golden State's offensive struggles were evident in their dismal 26.5 percent shooting from beyond the arc (9-from-34), compared to Minnesota's 42.3 percent (11-from-26).

Minnesota's defensive pressure forced 14 Valkyries turnovers, which they converted into valuable transition opportunities. The Lynx also demonstrated superior ball movement, recording 22 assists to Golden State's 15, highlighting the teamwork that has propelled them to their unbeaten start. With this victory, Minnesota strengthens its position atop the WNBA standings, while Golden State falls to 2-4, dropping further in the early playoff race.