Phoenix Mercury Edges Golden State Valkyries 78-77

Alyssa Thomas secured a dramatic 78-77 victory for the Phoenix Mercury over the Golden State Valkyries with a last-second free throw, despite Phoenix's offensive struggles in the fourth quarter and missed late free throws by DeWanna Bonner, who led the Mercury with 22 points and 11 rebounds. Veronica Burton led the Valkyries with 17 points, and Janelle Salaun made crucial shots in the final seconds to keep Golden State close, but the Mercury ultimately prevailed. Meanwhile, the Las Vegas Aces edged the Valkyries 104-102 in their previous matchup, led by A'ja Wilson's 34 points and Jackie Young's clutch 10 points in the closing moments, highlighting the Valkyries’ competitive form in their inaugural season. In other WNBA action, Leonie Fiebich scored 21 points to help the New York Liberty erase a 19-point deficit and defeat the Atlanta Dream 79-72, with Breanna Stewart contributing a double-double and Atlanta missing All-Star Rhyne Howard due to injury. These results reflect a tightly contested WNBA landscape, with expansion teams like the Valkyries showing resilience against established squads.