SAN JOSE — When Cecilia Zandalasini’s fading jumper from the right wing bounced off the back of the rim as the final buzzer sounded Wednesday night, the roar from the Ballhalla crowd momentarily turned into a sigh.

As the visiting Minnesota Lynx celebrated what became a comeback victory for the ages to advance to the playoff semifinals, the Italian sharpshooter lay on the ground with her hands over her head – deflated, defeated and in shock that the Valkyries’ season ended right then and there.

For a brief moment, time seemed to stop.

Then, her teammates pulled Zandalasini to her feet, wrapped her into an embrace and guided her to midcourt where the Valkyries huddled one last time.

There, players gathered under the bright SAP Center lights – some with tears in their eyes, others smilin

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