Injury-Hampered Valkyries Lose Second Straight Home Game to Phoenix Mercury

The Golden State Valkyries are struggling with significant injuries as the WNBA season nears its end, impacting their playoff positioning. In recent games against the Phoenix Mercury, the Valkyries played shorthanded with only eight players available, including late scratches of key veterans Tiffany Hayes and Cecilia Zandalasini due to injuries. Despite strong performances from Veronica Burton, who posted double-doubles and led the team in points and assists, the Valkyries were unable to maintain leads, ultimately losing consecutive games to a well-rounded Mercury squad led by stars like Kahleah Copper and Alyssa Thomas. Rookie contributions from players like Carla Leite and Janelle Salaun have been bright spots, but the team has struggled to compensate for the absence of top scorers and key defensive personnel. The Mercury's Monique Akoa Makani also emerged as a critical defensive presence in their recent victory over the Valkyries. With the Valkyries now holding the seventh seed and a narrow margin over lower-ranked teams, the injury toll and limited roster depth raise concerns about their ability to secure a strong playoff position.