In an exciting game on Thursday night, the Phoenix Mercury overcame a late deficit to defeat the Golden State Valkyries 86-77. Rookie Lexi Held had a standout performance, scoring a season-high 24 points, while Satou Sabally contributed with 19 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. Phoenix, trailing 76-68 with just over four minutes left, rallied with an 18-1 finishing run. Held’s critical three-pointer gave the Mercury a 77-76 lead with just over a minute remaining.
Following a free throw split by Golden State, Sabally rebounded her own missed shot and converted it while being fouled, increasing the lead to 80-77 after she made the subsequent foul shot. Golden State’s Veronica Burton missed a critical layup, and with more fouls from the Valkyries, Phoenix sealed the game by sinking four consecutive free throws. Held displayed impressive shooting skills, finishing with 7 of 15 from the field and a perfect 6 for 6 from the free-throw line, marking the best scoring game for a rookie this season, surpassing Paige Bueckers’ earlier record of 21.
With the win, Phoenix improved to 6-3 overall and an outstanding 5-1 at home, marking a franchise-best start. Sami Whitcomb also contributed nine points before fouling out. For the Valkyries, Veronica Burton led with 16 points, while Temi Fagbenie added a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Additional contributions came from Kayla Thornton, Cecilia Zandalasini, and Julie Vanloo, who each scored 10 points. The game also featured a jersey swap between Megan McConnell and her brother, NBA player T.J. McConnell.
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