Full Breakdown
Mercury Stages Late Comeback to Edge Valkyries 91-89
7/30/2026, 10:43:32 AM
Game Summary
In the first night back from the All-Star break, the Phoenix Mercury erased a 13-point third-quarter deficit to defeat the Golden State Valkyries 91-89. The Valkyries had led 64-51 after a Laeticia Amihere layup with 1:45 left in the third, but Phoenix responded with a 9-0 run to close the quarter and an 11-0 surge in the final period that gave them the lead for good.
Key Performances
Kahleah Copper led Phoenix with 27 points, while Alyssa Thomas contributed 25 points, nine rebounds and eight assists. DeWanna Bonner added a double-double of 17 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks. For Golden State, Veronica Burton scored 15 points, and Kaila Charles recorded a season-high 10 rebounds alongside 10 points, marking her second career double-double. Bench player Janelle Salaün reached 69 made three-pointers for the season, setting the WNBA record for a bench player. Cecilia Zandalasini fouled out after posting 16 points on 6-of-17 shooting.
Fouls, Free Throws and Run Details
Phoenix was awarded 43 free-throw attempts compared with the Valkyries’ 19, reflecting a game called for 34 fouls on Golden State. The Valkyries’ defensive lapses in the fourth quarter allowed the Mercury’s decisive runs. Copper’s sixth foul with 1:45 remaining was challenged and upheld after replay review. Shortly after, Kayla Thornton’s three-pointer tied the game at 82, but Bonner’s two free throws with 1:27 left restored the lead.
Standings Impact
The loss dropped the Valkyries to a 19-9 record, extending their back-to-back defeats and leaving them a half-game behind second-place Las Vegas. Phoenix improved to 11-18, marking their third consecutive win after a five-game losing streak.
Upcoming Schedule
Golden State will host the Toronto Tempo on Sunday, while the Mercury host New York on Saturday. Both teams look to build on the recent outcomes as the season progresses.
