Phoenix Mercury claimed a 91-89 result over the Golden State Valkyries on Wednesday night, with Kahleah Copper proving the decisive figure as her 27-point display carried the home side through a tense finish. In a fixture that swung sharply from quarter to quarter, Phoenix found the late execution needed to secure victory.
There were no listed scoring-minute events available from the official match data, but the overall rhythm of the contest was clear from the quarter splits. Phoenix opened with a narrow 21-18 first-quarter edge before Golden State took control in the second, outscoring the Mercury 28-13 to move into a strong halftime position.
At that stage, the Valkyries looked the more fluent side in possession, moving the ball well on their way to 24 assists across the night and getting enough perimeter production to stretch Phoenix. Golden State finished with 12 made three-pointers at 36.4 percent, a return that kept the visitors in front for long spells and forced the Mercury to adjust defensively after the interval.
Phoenix’s response after the break defined the match. The Mercury put together a 26-point third quarter to cut into the deficit, then raised the tempo again with 31 points in the fourth. That final period was the difference, as the home side attacked the paint, got to the line repeatedly, and turned pressure into points. Phoenix attempted 43 free throws and converted 32 of them, a huge factor in a two-point result.
Copper led the scoring with 27 points, while Alyssa Thomas delivered an outstanding all-around performance with 25 points, nine rebounds and eight assists. DeWanna Bonner added authority on the glass with 10 rebounds, helping Phoenix shade the rebounding battle 34-33 and giving the Mercury just enough extra control in key possessions.
For Golden State, Cecilia Zandalasini paced the visitors with 16 points, Veronica Burton added 15 and served as a steady playmaker with five assists, and Kaila Charles pulled down 10 rebounds. The Valkyries generated more shot volume, attempting 76 field goals to Phoenix’s 55, but their 40.8 percent shooting ultimately left points on the table in a fixture decided by the finest of margins.
Key performers
Copper was the headline act for Phoenix, particularly in the closing stages when the Mercury needed calm decision-making and direct scoring. Thomas was arguably the match’s most complete performer, flirting with a triple-double while setting the tone on both ends. For the Valkyries, Burton’s balance and Zandalasini’s scoring kept Golden State in contention throughout, even as the lead narrowed deep into the second half.
NerdSports Stat: Phoenix scored 35.2% of their total points from the free-throw line, with 32 of their 91 points coming at the stripe in a match they won by just two.
This result lifts Phoenix to 11-18 and gives the Mercury a valuable home victory against one of the stronger sides in the league. Golden State, now 19-9, will view this as a missed chance to strengthen its position near the top of the table after surrendering momentum in the second half. The Mercury will hope this finish becomes a springboard in their next fixture, while the Valkyries will aim for a quicker response and a steadier closing quarter next time out.
Frequently Asked Questions
No individual scoring-minute events were available in the official match data. Kahleah Copper led Phoenix with 27 points, while Cecilia Zandalasini led Golden State with 16.
Phoenix Mercury 91 – 89 Golden State Valkyries.
Phoenix improved to 11-18 with an important home win, while Golden State fell to 19-9 after missing the chance to strengthen its position near the top of the table.
Kahleah Copper was the standout performer with 27 points, while Alyssa Thomas also made a huge impact with 25 points, nine rebounds and eight assists.
