Overview
- The Phoenix Mercury beat the Golden State Valkyries 91-89 after a comeback on July 29, improving to 11-18 while Golden State fell to 19-9.
- Kahleah Copper led Phoenix with 27 points, Alyssa Thomas had 25 points with nine rebounds and eight assists, and DeWanna Bonner finished with 17 points and 10 rebounds.
- Alyssa Thomas ignited an 11-0 run early in the fourth quarter that produced Phoenix's first lead of the second half and shifted the game's momentum.
- Phoenix attempted 43 free throws compared with Golden State's 19, a disparity that repeatedly extended Phoenix possessions and proved decisive in the final minutes.
- Golden State committed crucial late miscues, including a missed late free throw by Janelle Salaun and a rushed sideline inbounds turnover, and played without leading scorer Gabby Williams as it adjusts rotations.