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Mercury Edge Valkyries 91-89 in Instant Classic
Phoenix Mercury Come Back to Beat Golden State Valkyries in Thrilling Finish
What Happened?
The Phoenix Mercury played the Golden State Valkyries on Wednesday night. It was the first game back after the All-Star break (a mid-season pause where the best players play a fun showcase game).
The Mercury were losing by 13 points at one point—but they didn’t give up! They fought back and won 91–89 in a super exciting ending.
Star Players of the Game
Phoenix Mercury (Winners )
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Other Cool Stats |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kahleah Copper | 27 | – | – | Team’s top scorer! |
| Alyssa Thomas | 25 | 9 | 8 | Just missed a "triple-double" (double digits in 3 categories) |
| DeWanna Bonner | 17 | 10 | – | 3 blocks + clutch free throws at the end |
Golden State Valkyries
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cecilia Zandalasini | 16 | – | Fouled out (had to leave the game) |
| Veronica Burton | 15 | – | – |
| Kaila Charles | 10 | 10 | Double-double! First since 2021 |
What’s a double-double?
When a player gets 10 or more in two categories (like points + rebounds, or points + assists) in one game.
Team Records After This Game
-
Phoenix Mercury: 11 wins – 18 losses
They’ve now won 3 games in a row after losing 5 straight! - Golden State Valkyries: 19 wins – 9 losses
They’ve lost 2 games in a row and fell half a game behind Las Vegas for 2nd place.
The Crazy Final Minute (Step by Step)
- 1:45 left – Kahleah Copper gets her 6th foul (that means she’s out of the game!).
- Mercury challenge the call (ask referees to check video replay).
- Replay says: Foul stands. Copper is done for the night.
- 9 seconds later – Kayla Thornton (Valkyries) hits a 3-pointer → Game tied 82–82!
- 1:27 left – DeWanna Bonner sinks two free throws → Mercury lead 84–82.
- Mercury hold on for the 91–89 win!
IMPORTANT MOMENT
Even after losing their best scorer (Copper) to a foul, the Mercury stayed calm. Bonner’s free throws gave them the lead for good—that means the Valkyries never tied or took the lead again.
What’s Next?
| Team | Next Game | When |
|---|---|---|
| Golden State Valkyries | vs. Toronto | Sunday night |
| Phoenix Mercury | vs. New York | Saturday |
Summary
- The Phoenix Mercury erased a 13-point deficit to beat the Golden State Valkyries 91–89.
- Kahleah Copper (27 pts) and Alyssa Thomas (25 pts, 9 reb, 8 ast) led the charge.
- DeWanna Bonner hit huge free throws late after Copper fouled out.
- Mercury now on a 3-game win streak; Valkyries on a 2-game skid.
- Both teams play again this weekend!
FAQ (Questions You Might Have)
1. What does "fouled out" mean?
In basketball, each player can only commit 6 fouls per game. On the 6th, they must leave and can’t come back. Copper hit her 6th with 1:45 left.
2. What’s a "challenge"?
Coaches can ask referees to review a play on video if they think a call was wrong. The Mercury challenged Copper’s foul, but the referees kept the call.
3. Why is a "triple-double" special?
It means a player got 10+ in three categories (usually points, rebounds, assists). Alyssa Thomas had 25/9/8—so close!
4. What’s the All-Star break?
A week off in the middle of the season where the league’s best players play an exhibition game. Wednesday was the first real game back.
5. What does "half a game behind" mean in standings?
Teams play different numbers of games sometimes. The Valkyries (19–9) and Las Vegas (likely 19–8 or 20–9) are close—the Valkyries need to win and hope Las Vegas loses to catch up.
Source: AP News WNBA Coverage
