SAN JOSE — The Golden State Valkyries pushed Minnesota to the absolute brink on Wednesday night.

The Lynx, who finished the WNBA season four games ahead of every other team in the league, are a rigid test for any squad. Playing in front of an announced crowd of 18,543 fans at SAP Center, the Valkyries nearly passed.

Even in a 75-74 defeat, they won Minnesota’s respect, losing only when Cecilia Zandalasini’s midrange jumper rimmed out as the final buzzer sounded on Golden State’s historic first year in the WNBA.

“I’m super proud of us to come here to the craziness that Ballhalla is, and credit to them,” Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve said. “Shoutout to the fans. That’s exactly what the team needs. Their energy, their passion, they’re in it the entire way. You can tell they’re watching the game

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