The Golden State Valkyries secured a hard-fought 83-78 victory over the Phoenix Mercury on Tuesday night at Chase Center, improving to 7-5 on the season while Phoenix fell to 4-9. The game was a defensive battle from start to finish, with both teams struggling to find consistent offensive rhythm but neither willing to back down. Key performers from the hosts included Gabby Williams, who led all scorers with 19 points and 7 rebounds, and Veronica Burton, who dished out 6 assists while anchoring the defensive effort.
The Mercury came in desperate for a win after an 0-4 road trip, and they showed flashes of their potential in the second half. Kahleah Copper was the team’s offensive engine, scoring 23 points and pulling down 5 rebounds in a valiant effort to keep Phoenix in the game. Natasha Cloud added 11 points and 7 assists, continuing to showcase her veteran leadership and playmaking ability. However, Phoenix struggled to convert in the paint as Golden State’s interior defense, led by Kiah Stokes (8 points, 6 rebounds) and Kayla Thornton (6 points, 7 rebounds), limited second-chance opportunities.
Golden State’s defense was the difference-maker in the fourth quarter, holding Phoenix to just 15 points while forcing six turnovers. Veronica Burton was instrumental in those moments, using her quick hands and court vision to disrupt the Mercury’s offensive flow. The Valkyries also capitalized on Phoenix’s 20 turnovers, converting them into 16 points. Meanwhile, the Mercury shot just 38% from the field and were held under 10 points in the first and fourth quarters.
The home crowd was electric throughout the night, contributing to a high-energy atmosphere that Golden State thrived in. The Valkyries have now won three of their last four games at Chase Center, where they are 5-2 this season. Phoenix, meanwhile, continues to search for consistency on the road, where they are a dismal 1-6.
With the win, the Valkyries remain in third place in the Western Conference, one game behind the Las Vegas Aces and two games behind the Los Angeles Sparks. The Mercury, on the other hand, sit in 10th place and will need to find a way to reverse their fortunes quickly if they hope to climb the standings.
The Valkyries will look to build on this momentum when they host the Chicago Sky on Thursday night at Chase Center. Phoenix returns home for a matchup against the Las Vegas Aces on Saturday, where they’ll aim to break their losing streak.
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