Phoenix Mercury Edges Golden State Valkyries 91-89
Wednesday, July 29, 2026, 10:00 PM ET · Mortgage Matchup Center
Phoenix Mercury 91, Golden State Valkyries 89, final. Our WNBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Golden State Valkyries vs Phoenix Mercury?
Phoenix Mercury beat Golden State Valkyries 91-89 at Mortgage Matchup Center on July 29, 2026.
Who was favored in Golden State Valkyries vs Phoenix Mercury?
Golden State Valkyries were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -153 (about 60% implied). The underdog won.
In a thrilling matchup at the Mortgage Matchup Center, the Phoenix Mercury narrowly defeated the Golden State Valkyries with a final score of 91-89. This victory marked a significant moment for the Mercury, who have been struggling this season with an overall record of 11-18, while the Valkyries hold a stronger record of 19-9. The win also allowed Phoenix to even the season series against Golden State, which now stands at 2-1 in favor of the Valkyries.
The Mercury entered this game with a mixed recent form, having won five of their last ten games, including a two-game winning streak prior to this contest. Their scoring average over these last ten games was 84.4 points per game, while they allowed an average of 87.6 points. In their last five games, they averaged 79.8 points scored and 90.2 points allowed, indicating some defensive struggles. The Mercury's home record is 2-3 in their last five games, while their overall home performance has been less than stellar.
On the other hand, the Valkyries had been in excellent form, boasting a record of 9-1 over their last ten games before this matchup. However, they entered this game on a one-game losing streak, having lost to the Washington Mystics 82-90 in their previous outing. The Valkyries averaged 78.7 points scored and allowed just 71.3 points during their last ten games, showcasing their strong defensive capabilities. Their away record was particularly impressive, standing at 5-0 prior to this game.
The injury report heavily impacted the Mercury, with several key players sidelined. Kelsey Plum (lower leg), Kahleah Copper (ankle), Valeriane Ayayi, Kyara Linskens, and Jovana Nogic were all out for the game. The Valkyries also faced challenges with Cecilia Zandalasini, Janelle Salaun, Gabby Williams, and Iliana Rupert unavailable due to various reasons unrelated to injury.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Valkyries as 3.5-point favorites, with a total set at 156.5 points. The odds reflected the Valkyries' stronger season record, but the Mercury's victory defied expectations.
The game conditions were set for an exciting matchup, and the final moments did not disappoint. In the fourth quarter, the tension escalated as both teams fought for every point. Key scoring plays included DeWanna Bonner making crucial free throws that helped the Mercury maintain their lead. The Valkyries attempted to close the gap with free throws from Janelle Salaun, but ultimately fell short.
Viewers should have noted the intense back-and-forth nature of the game, especially in the closing minutes where every possession counted. The Mercury's ability to capitalize on free throw opportunities proved decisive, as Bonner's late-game performance was pivotal in securing the win. This match not only highlighted the competitive spirit of both teams but also set the stage for an intriguing continuation of the season as the Mercury look to build on this victory.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | GS -3.5 | 156.5 o -115 / u -105 | Golden State Valkyries -153 · Phoenix Mercury +126 |
Injury report
- Kelsey PlumOutLower LegPhoenix Mercury
- Kahleah CopperOutAnklePhoenix Mercury
- Valeriane AyayiOutNot Injury RelatedPhoenix Mercury
- Kyara LinskensOutNot Injury RelatedPhoenix Mercury
- Jovana NogicOutNot Injury RelatedPhoenix Mercury
- Cecilia ZandalasiniOutNot Injury RelatedGolden State Valkyries
- Janelle SalaunOutNot Injury RelatedGolden State Valkyries
- Gabby WilliamsOutNot Injury RelatedGolden State Valkyries
- Iliana RupertOutNot Injury RelatedGolden State Valkyries
Leaders
- PointsKahleah Copper27Phoenix Mercury
- AssistsAlyssa Thomas8Phoenix Mercury
- ReboundsDeWanna Bonner10Phoenix Mercury
- PointsCecilia Zandalasini16Golden State Valkyries
- AssistsVeronica Burton5Golden State Valkyries
- ReboundsKaila Charles10Golden State Valkyries
Recent form
Phoenix Mercury
Last 10: 5-5Streak W284.4 scored · 87.6 allowed per game2-3 at home
- W86-82at Los Angeles SparksJul 22
- W72-63vs Connecticut SunJul 19
- L83-96vs Connecticut SunJul 18
- L100-104at Minnesota LynxJul 14
- L58-106at Las Vegas AcesJul 11
- L89-92vs Indiana FeverJul 10
- L66-77vs Chicago SkyJul 8
- W90-67vs Seattle StormJul 3
- W89-80at Toronto TempoJun 27
- W111-109at Indiana FeverJun 24
Golden State Valkyries
Last 10: 9-1Streak L178.7 scored · 71.3 allowed per game5-0 away
- L82-90vs Washington MysticsJul 21
- W74-69vs Washington MysticsJul 19
- W88-75at Indiana FeverJul 16
- W79-64at Connecticut SunJul 10
- W83-75at Toronto TempoJul 8
- W62-49at Washington MysticsJul 6
- W88-83at Atlanta DreamJul 4
- W76-67vs New York LibertyJun 28
- W78-75vs Atlanta DreamJun 27
- W77-66vs Atlanta DreamJun 25
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | - | 9 | L2 | .775 | 31 |
| Golden State | 2 | 11 | W4 | .725 | 29 |
| Las Vegas | 4 | 13 | W3 | .675 | 27 |
| Dallas | 7 | 16 | W4 | .600 | 24 |
| Portland | 15 | 24 | L1 | .400 | 16 |
| Los Angeles | 16 | 25 | W2 | .375 | 15 |
| Phoenix | 17 | 26 | W1 | .350 | 14 |
| Seattle | 23 | 32 | L1 | .200 | 8 |
Box score
| Stat | Golden State Valkyries | Phoenix Mercury |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 31-76 | 27-55 |
| Field goal % | 41 | 49 |
| Three-pointers | 12-33 | 5-16 |
| Three-point % | 36 | 31 |
| Free throws | 15-19 | 32-43 |
| Free throw % | 79 | 74 |
| Rebounds | 33 | 34 |
| Offensive rebounds | 13 | 6 |
| Defensive rebounds | 20 | 28 |
| Assists | 24 | 19 |
| Steals | 7 | 3 |
| Blocks | 1 | 7 |
| Turnovers | 7 | 10 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 12 | 14 |
| Fast-break points | 2 | 14 |
| Points in the paint | 38 | 40 |
| Fouls | 34 | 23 |
| Largest lead | 13 | 8 |
| Lead changes | 4 | 4 |
| Time in front | 45 | 45 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter64-55Kahleah Copper makes driving layup
- 3rd Quarter64-58Kahleah Copper makes 24-foot three pointer (Natasha Mack assists)
- 3rd Quarter64-60Kahleah Copper makes running layup
- 3rd Quarter66-60Tiffany Hayes makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter68-60Laeticia Amihere makes driving layup (Tiffany Hayes assists)
- 4th Quarter68-62Alyssa Thomas makes driving layup (DeWanna Bonner assists)
- 4th Quarter71-62Laeticia Amihere makes 22-foot three point jumper (Veronica Burton assists)
- 4th Quarter71-64Natasha Mack makes 10-foot floating jump shot (Valeriane Ayayi assists)
- 4th Quarter71-66Natasha Mack makes 2-foot floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter71-68Alyssa Thomas makes 6-foot driving floating jump shot (DeWanna Bonner assists)
- 4th Quarter71-69Alyssa Thomas makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter71-71Valeriane Ayayi makes running layup (Alyssa Thomas assists)
- 4th Quarter71-73Alyssa Thomas makes driving layup (DeWanna Bonner assists)
- 4th Quarter73-73Tiffany Hayes makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter73-75Alyssa Thomas makes 6-foot two point shot (Kahleah Copper assists)
- 4th Quarter73-76Kahleah Copper makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter75-76Veronica Burton makes running layup
- 4th Quarter75-78Kahleah Copper makes driving layup (Alyssa Thomas assists)
- 4th Quarter76-78Tiffany Hayes makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter77-78Tiffany Hayes makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter77-80Alyssa Thomas makes 2-foot layup (Kahleah Copper assists)
- 4th Quarter79-80Cecilia Zandalasini makes 7-foot driving floating jump shot (Tiffany Hayes assists)
- 4th Quarter79-81Alyssa Thomas makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter79-82Alyssa Thomas makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter82-82Kayla Thornton makes 23-foot three point jumper (Tiffany Hayes assists)
- 4th Quarter82-83DeWanna Bonner makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter82-84DeWanna Bonner makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter82-85Valeriane Ayayi makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter82-87Alyssa Thomas makes 5-foot two point shot (Noemie Brochant assists)
- 4th Quarter83-87Janelle Salaun makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter84-87Janelle Salaun makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter85-87Janelle Salaun makes free throw 1 of 3
- 4th Quarter86-87Janelle Salaun makes free throw 2 of 3
- 4th Quarter86-88DeWanna Bonner makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter86-89DeWanna Bonner makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter86-90DeWanna Bonner makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter87-90Janelle Salaun makes free throw 1 of 3
- 4th Quarter88-90Janelle Salaun makes free throw 2 of 3
- 4th Quarter89-90Janelle Salaun makes free throw 3 of 3
- 4th Quarter89-91DeWanna Bonner makes free throw 1 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Phoenix Mercury, below favours Golden State Valkyries.
Venue
- Mortgage Matchup CenterPhoenix, AZ
- Attendance10152
- OfficialsRandy Richardson, Teresa Stuck, Catherine Chang
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