Valkyries Roster of Eight Give Inspiring Effort, Fall to Mercury 98-91

SAN FRANCISCO — Nothing resonates more than a team that fights through tough circumstances with maximum effort and determination until the end.

The Golden State Valkyries showed inspiring fight and effort while unexpectedly short-handed, but the Phoenix Mercury closed strong to grind out a 98-91 win in front of another sold out crowd of 18,064 fans at Ballhalla on Tuesday night.

Though the Mercury left with the victory, the evening once again underscored the resilience, depth and energy of a Golden State team that refused to back down.

The Valkyries entered the night with only eight active players after late scratches to Tiffany Hayes and Cecilia Zandalasini, both of whom had gone through warmups but weren’t deemed fully healthy. Head coach Natalie Nakase explained her decision bluntly: “If they're not 100% and they don't feel right, it's not time to play. … We were an eight-woman strong team, and I thought they fought their asses off tonight.”

With Hayes and Zandalasini sidelined, Kate Martin earned a spot in the starting lineup, and she delivered with 14 points on four three-pointers, tying her career high from deep while also collecting five rebounds.

Golden State wasted no time making a statement. After trailing 23-16 midway through the opening period, the Valkyries ripped off a 24-8 run to seize control.

Their 31 first-quarter points represented a dramatic turnaround from the sluggish start in their previous game against Atlanta, when they managed just 25 points in the entire first half.

Janelle Salaün set the tone early with 11 of her 13 points coming in the first quarter, while Veronica Burton orchestrated the offense to perfection. The strong start electrified the sellout crowd on Sneaker Night, giving fans reason to believe another signature home performance was on the way.

Burton’s playmaking mastery defined the evening. She finished with 24 points and a career-best 14 assists, marking her third double-double of the season.

Her 14 assists also set a new franchise high and were part of a stat line that was historic across the league. Burton became the first player in WNBA history to record 24 points, 14 assists, and zero turnovers in a game.

She was also flawless from the free throw line, hitting all 10 attempts, marking the 15th time she’s been perfect at the stripe this season.

“Testament to everyone just stepping up, testament to Kate being ready when her number is called, getting thrown into the starting lineup. I think she was incredible,” Burton said afterward. “Really, our whole team, like, it's an energy thing, it's an effort thing; and when we just play together and play connected, it's beautiful basketball.”

Carla Leite added 15 points in her sixth start, shooting 5-for-12, and provided key shot-making to keep Golden State afloat.

Salaün’s all-around effort of 13 points and six rebounds added balance.

Laeticia Amihere brought energy off the bench, contributing 11 points on efficient 5-of-9 shooting.

Nakase singled out Amihere’s impact, praising her rebounding and defensive versatility: “She had great energy. She was rebounding, she was causing havoc inside; and even in the pick and rolls with her length, it kind of creates a little bit more chaos.”

Despite the inspired effort, Phoenix methodically worked its way back. The Mercury were led by Kahleah Copper, who scored 25 points and hit five three-pointers.

Satou Sabally tallied 17, with 10 of those after halftime.

Once again, Alyssa Thomas nearly notched a triple-double with 13 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists.

Phoenix used a 21-14 third quarter to trim Golden State’s lead to five heading into the final frame, then took control behind Sabally’s hot shooting and physicality in the paint. A 20-8 Mercury run spanning nearly seven minutes of the fourth quarter swung momentum decisively, overcoming the Valkyries’ earlier dominance.

Golden State still flashed moments of brilliance down the stretch. Leite buried a three with 6:33 left to briefly halt Phoenix’s surge, but the Mercury ultimately wore the short-handed Valkyries down inside, dominating the boards and executing in crunch time.

Salaün noted, “They obviously started playing more physical. They hurt us in the paint a lot on the rebounds. I think we just couldn't fight more.”

The Valkyries tied their season record for points in a half with 59 before the break and, remarkably, committed only three turnovers all game, becoming just the fifth team in league history to finish with that few.

It was also the ninth time this season Golden State had five players reach double figures, underscoring their depth even with three rotation players unavailable. Yet for all their efficiency, the final minutes proved difficult to navigate.

“Execution in the second half, we were a little bit more limited on our offense, and we just weren't hitting some of the shots that we were hitting in the first half, and that happens,” Burton reflected.

The loss marked Golden State’s first back-to-back home defeats at Chase Center this season, though the circumstances made the performance an admirable one.

Playing six games in 11 days with a short bench took its toll, but Nakase emphasized the bigger picture: “We just had six games in 11 days. This was the sixth. I did kind of anticipate a slight fatigue. Credit to V for carrying us.”

While the Mercury celebrated a road comeback, the Valkyries once again proved they could elevate their play under challenging circumstances. From Burton’s historic performance to Martin’s timely shooting and Amihere’s spark, Golden State showed the kind of grit that has defined its debut season.

The result may have gone against them, but the effort ensured that their 17th sellout crowd left with plenty to cheer for and plenty of reasons to keep believing in this team’s fight.

UP NEXT

• Golden State embarks on its second-to-last regular-season road trip of the season, visiting the Phoenix Mercury on Friday, August 22 at 7 p.m. on ION and the Audacy App.
• For tickets, news, and more team updates, visit valkyries.wnba.com.