The Golden State Valkyries vs Phoenix Mercury battle saw the Valkyries fighting hard. But Friday night in Phoenix turned into another uphill climb as injuries mounted in an 81–72 loss to the Mercury.
Alyssa Thomas was the difference-maker for Phoenix, posting her 17th career triple-double with 13 points, 12 rebounds, and 16 assists. For Golden State (18–18), Janelle Salaün kept the Valkyries in it early with 15 points. Meanwhile, Veronica Burton added 11 points and eight assists in a gritty effort.
Hayes Injured in Mid-Air Collision
The turning point came midway through the third quarter. Veteran guard Tiffany Hayes, already playing with a protective mask after a facial injury earlier this season, collided mid-air with Kahleah Copper on a contested pass. Hayes landed awkwardly, injuring her left knee. She was ruled out for the rest of the game and will undergo further evaluation.
Head coach Natalie Nakase offered some hope postgame, noting that the team doesn’t believe the injury is overly serious. However, the timing is brutal for a Valkyries team already plagued by injuries as they fight for one of the last playoff spots in the WNBA Western Conference.
Leite Also Exits With Ankle Injury
The bad luck didn’t stop there. Rookie guard Carla Leite, who came in questionable with a sore foot, rolled her ankle after a Mercury player fell into her in the fourth quarter. She too was ruled out for the rest of the game and will be reevaluated.
Golden State was already without:
- All-Star Kayla Thornton (season-ending knee injury)
- Cecilia Zandalasini (calf rehab in the Bay)
- Monique Billings (ankle, sidelined after re-check this week)
Now, two more rotation players could be out as the playoff race heats up.
A Tale of Two Halves
Salaün scored 13 of her 15 points in the first half, hitting 6-of-7 shots, but the rest of the Valkyries went just 6-for-26. Phoenix built a 41–31 halftime lead. Despite late pushes, Golden State couldn’t recover against a Mercury team that controlled tempo and punished every Valkyries turnover.
What’s Next: Dallas in the Bay
The Valkyries return home to Chase Center on Sunday to face the Dallas Wings in what has become a must-win game with the playoff picture tightening. The Bay Area crowd, which has sold out all 17 home games this year, will be called on once again to lift their battered team back into the fight.
