Golden State lost to Phoenix 98-91 at Chase Center as the Mercury outscored the Valkyries 30-16 in the fourth quarter, completing a season sweep with three wins. Veronica Burton scored 24 points and dished 14 assists, while Kate Martin added 14, Janelle Salaun 13 and Carla Leite 15 for Golden State. Kahleah Copper led Phoenix with 25 points, Satou Sabally had 17 and Alyssa Thomas posted 13 points, eight assists and nine rebounds. Only eight Valkyries were available due to multiple injuries and last-second scratches, including Cecilia Zandalasini's left calf strain. Golden State is 18-17 and seventh in the standings with eight games remaining.
SAN FRANCISCO A chaotic pregame frenzy that saw two regular Valkyries starters listed as last-second scratches predated a chaotic barnburner against the high-powered Mercury. Golden State, with only eight players available, lost to Phoenix 98-91 at Chase Center in the third matchup between the teams jockeying for playoff positioning. The Mercury, seeded fourth, have now won all three games against the seventh-seeded Valkyries.
Veronica Burton continued to stuff the stat sheet at point guard, putting up an efficient 24 points and 14 assists, while surprise starter Kate Martin put in 14 points. Janelle Salaun scored 13 and Carla Leite threw in 15. Kahleah Copper led the Mercury with 25 points, while Satou Sabally put up 17 points and triple-double machine Alyssa Thomas had 13 points, eight assists and nine rebounds.
Only a few hours after coach Natalie Nakase called Tuesday's matchup a must-win, veteran guard Tiffany Hayes was held out for rest purposes. Hot-shooting forward Cecilia Zandalasini went through warmups, but was replaced in the starting lineup by Kate Martin and did not appear on the bench. The Italian perimeter player was ruled out with a left calf strain midway through the first quarter.
Collection
[
|
...
]