In a thrilling game on Thursday night, the Phoenix Mercury overcame a late-game deficit to secure an 86-77 victory against the Golden State Valkyries. Rookie Lexi Held led the Mercury with a season-high 24 points, while Satou Sabally contributed 19 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. After trailing 76-68 with just over four minutes remaining, Phoenix closed the game with an impressive 18-1 run.
Held’s pivotal moment came when she hit a deep three-pointer to put the Mercury ahead at 77-76. Following a free-throw exchange, Sabally rebounded her own miss and scored while being fouled, converting the ensuing free throw for an 80-77 lead with 33.3 seconds left. A critical miss from Golden State’s Veronica Burton allowed Sabally to extend the lead with two successful free throws. The Valkyries struggled to regain possession, leading to four consecutive free throws from Phoenix that sealed the game.
Despite missing starters Kahleah Copper and Alyssa Thomas, the Mercury improved to 6-3 overall and 5-1 at home, marking their best start at home in franchise history. Sami Whitcomb added nine points before fouling out, contributing to the team’s effort. Veronica Burton led Golden State with 16 points, while teammates Temi Fagbenie, Kayla Thornton, Cecilia Zandalasini, and Julie Vanloo each scored 10 points, but it wasn’t enough to secure a win for the Valkyries, who fell to 2-5.
Notably, injured player Megan McConnell showed support for her brother, T.J. McConnell, by wearing his No. 9 Indiana Pacers jersey on the bench.
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