The Phoenix Mercury secured an impressive 86-77 victory over the Golden State Valkyries, powered by rookie Lexi Held, who scored a season-high 24 points. With the Mercury trailing 76-68 and only 4:04 left in the game, they surged ahead with an 18-1 run. Held hit a pivotal 3-pointer to put her team up 77-76 with just over a minute remaining. Following a trip to the free-throw line for Golden State, Satou Sabally, who contributed 19 points, rebounded her own missed shot and converted it into a three-point play, extending the lead to 80-77.
Golden State’s Veronica Burton missed a crucial layup, allowing Sabally to extend the Mercury’s lead with two free throws for a five-point advantage. The Valkyries struggled in the final plays, committing turnovers that allowed Phoenix to seal the win with four consecutive free throws. Held showcased strong shooting, going 7 for 15 from the field and 4 for 9 from beyond the arc, while also being perfect at the free-throw line.
Phoenix improved to 6-3 for the season and maintained a solid 5-1 record at home. Sami Whitcomb added nine points but fouled out late in the game, and the team played without starters Kahleah Copper and Alyssa Thomas. For Golden State, Burton led with 16 points, followed by Temi Fagbenie with a double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds. Megan McConnell, sidelined from injury, showed support by wearing her brother’s NBA jersey, highlighting a connection between the leagues.
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