So close. So loud. So cruel. The matchup between Golden State Valkyries vs Phoenix Mercury was intense and full of unexpected turns.
In front of another sold-out Chase Center, the Golden State Valkyries gave everything they had — but a single free throw with one second left decided the night in this Golden State Valkyries vs Phoenix Mercury event.
Phoenix’s Alyssa Thomas drew a foul on a late drive, stepped to the line, and after missing the first, watched the second rattle in for the final dagger. Just like that, in the battle between the Valkyries and Mercury, they escaped Ballhalla with a 78–77 win, leaving Valkyries Nation stunned but still standing proud.
🏹 How It Went Down
The final 20 seconds were pure chaos in this golden state valkyries vs phoenix mercury game.
- Janelle Salaun drilled a cold-blooded 3-pointer with 10.3 seconds left, pulling the Valkyries to within one.
- Moments later, she buried a baseline jumper with 6.8 seconds left to tie it at 77. Ballhalla exploded. It felt like our moment.
- But Thomas barreled to the rim, drew the whistle, and rolled in the one free throw Phoenix needed.
Golden State never got another shot.
🔥 Who Showed Out
- Veronica Burton: the engine, leading the way with 17 PTS & 6 AST
- Tiffany Hayes: 15 PTS, relentless driving into traffic
- Janelle Salaun: 12 PTS, clutch gene on full display late
- Monique Billings: 10 PTS, 9 REB, heart and hustle
Phoenix leaned on DeWanna Bonner’s 22 PTS, 11 REB — including a late reverse layup — but even she cracked at the line, missing two in the final seconds to leave the door open.
The Valkyries kicked it down… but the refs gave Phoenix the last word in their contest against Golden State Valkyries.
🛡️ Coach Nakase Speaks
After the game, Coach Natalie Nakase called for more consistency from the officials. A game this intense, this balanced, shouldn’t swing on a soft whistle with a second on the clock during Golden State Valkyries vs Phoenix Mercury match.
But in Ballhalla, we don’t cry about it. We remember it. Golden State Valkyries fans learn and sharpen the sword.
💜 Ballhalla Believes
The Valkyries are 10–11, still clawing and climbing in their inaugural season. Nights like this hurt — but they also fuel what’s next in their ongoing battle with teams like Phoenix Mercury.
