Mercury Surge Past Valkyries with Late Game Rally

Rookie Lexi Held delivered an impressive performance, scoring a season-high 24 points, while Satou Sabally contributed 19 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. The Phoenix Mercury rallied late in the game, finishing with an 18-1 run to secure an 86-77 victory over the Golden State Valkyries on Thursday night.

With just over four minutes left in the game, Phoenix found themselves trailing 76-68. However, Held's deep three-pointer shifted momentum, putting the Mercury ahead 77-76 with only 1:11 remaining.

Following a missed free throw by Golden State, Sabally rebounded her own shot and scored while being fouled. She converted the free throw, extending the lead to 80-77 with 33.3 seconds on the clock.

At the other end, Valkyries guard Veronica Burton missed a crucial layup. Sabally was fouled again and made two more free throws, pushing the lead to five points. The Valkyries struggled with turnovers on their next two inbound plays, allowing the Mercury to seal the game with four consecutive free throws.

Held's shooting was notable; she finished 7 for 15 from the field, including 4 for 9 from beyond the arc, and went a perfect 6 for 6 at the free-throw line. This performance marked the highest scoring output by a rookie this season, surpassing Paige Bueckers' previous record of 21 points.

Phoenix improved to 6-3 overall and boasts a franchise-best start at home with a record of 5-1. Sami Whitcomb added nine points before fouling out late in the game. The Mercury played without key starters Kahleah Copper (left knee) and Alyssa Thomas (left calf).

For Golden State, Burton led the team with 16 points, going an impressive 9 for 11 at the free-throw line. Temi Fagbenie contributed a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds, while Kayla Thornton, Cecilia Zandalasini, and Julie Vanloo each chipped in with 10 points.

Megan McConnell, sister of NBA guard T.J. McConnell, was seen on the bench wearing his No. 9 Indiana Pacers jersey after suffering an injury in Phoenix's previous game against Minnesota. T.J. was spotted arriving at the NBA Finals donning her No. 16 Mercury jersey.