Golden State Valkyries Defeat Phoenix Mercury 87-81
Tuesday, June 9, 2026, 10:00 PM ET · Chase Center
Golden State Valkyries 87, Phoenix Mercury 81, 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 Phoenix Mercury vs Golden State Valkyries?
Golden State Valkyries beat Phoenix Mercury 87-81 at Chase Center on June 9, 2026.
Who was favored in Phoenix Mercury vs Golden State Valkyries?
Golden State Valkyries were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -325 (about 76% implied). The favorite won.
In a tightly contested matchup, the Golden State Valkyries secured a victory against the Phoenix Mercury with a final score of 87-81. This game was significant as it marked the third meeting between the two teams in the current season, with the Valkyries now leading the series 2-1. The Valkyries, playing at their home venue, the Chase Center, improved their record to 8-5, while the Mercury fell to 4-10.
The Valkyries entered this game with a recent record of 5-5 over their last ten games, but they were struggling with a two-game losing streak prior to this match. Their scoring average during this stretch was 85.3 points per game, while they allowed 80.5 points on average. In contrast, the Mercury had a record of 3-7 in their last ten games and were riding a two-game winning streak heading into this contest. They averaged 80.2 points scored and allowed 85.8 points during that same period.
At home, the Valkyries had a record of 4-2, while their away record stood at 1-3. The Mercury, on the other hand, struggled with a 1-4 record at home and a 2-3 record in away games. This home-court advantage was evident as the Valkyries managed to fend off the Mercury's attempts to take control of the game.
In their previous meetings this season, the Valkyries defeated the Mercury 95-79 on May 11, 2026. However, the Mercury had won their last encounter in the 2025 season with a score of 81-72. This history added an extra layer of intrigue to the matchup, as both teams sought to assert dominance in their rivalry.
In terms of injuries, the Valkyries were missing several key players, including Cecilia Zandalasini, Janelle Salaun, Gabby Williams, and Iliana Rupert, all of whom were out for non-injury-related reasons. The Mercury also faced significant challenges with Kelsey Plum and Kahleah Copper sidelined due to a lower leg injury and an ankle injury, respectively. Additionally, Valeriane Ayayi, Kyara Linskens, and Jovana Nogic were all out for non-injury-related reasons, further depleting the Mercury's roster.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Valkyries favored by 7.5 points, with a total set at 162.5. The odds for the over and under were both listed at -110. The moneyline reflected the Valkyries as -325 favorites, while the Mercury were positioned at +260.
The game unfolded in a competitive atmosphere, with both teams exchanging leads throughout the contest. The Valkyries managed to pull ahead in the fourth quarter, thanks to crucial scoring plays from Gabby Williams and Alyssa Thomas. Williams scored a driving layup and made several free throws that helped solidify the Valkyries' lead. The Mercury's Monique Akoa Makani attempted to rally her team with a jump shot, but it was not enough to overcome the Valkyries' advantage.
As the game progressed, the Valkyries demonstrated resilience and composure, especially in the final moments, where they capitalized on free throw opportunities to seal their victory. The final scoring plays highlighted the Valkyries' ability to execute under pressure, ultimately leading to their win.
Overall, this matchup showcased the Valkyries' determination to rebound from their recent losses and highlighted the Mercury's ongoing struggles in the season. The absence of key players on both sides added to the challenge, but the Valkyries' depth and home-court advantage proved decisive in this encounter.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | GS -7.5 | 162.5 o -110 / u -110 | Phoenix Mercury +260 · Golden State Valkyries -325 |
Injury report
- Cecilia ZandalasiniOutNot Injury RelatedGolden State Valkyries
- Janelle SalaunOutNot Injury RelatedGolden State Valkyries
- Gabby WilliamsOutNot Injury RelatedGolden State Valkyries
- Iliana RupertOutNot Injury RelatedGolden State Valkyries
- Kelsey PlumOutLower LegPhoenix Mercury
- Kahleah CopperOutAnklePhoenix Mercury
- Valeriane AyayiOutNot Injury RelatedPhoenix Mercury
- Kyara LinskensOutNot Injury RelatedPhoenix Mercury
- Jovana NogicOutNot Injury RelatedPhoenix Mercury
Leaders
- PointsGabby Williams25Golden State Valkyries
- AssistsVeronica Burton8Golden State Valkyries
- ReboundsKaila Charles6Golden State Valkyries
- PointsAlyssa Thomas22Phoenix Mercury
- AssistsAlyssa Thomas9Phoenix Mercury
- ReboundsNatasha Mack10Phoenix Mercury
Recent form
Golden State Valkyries
Last 10: 5-5Streak L285.3 scored · 80.5 allowed per game4-2 at home
- L79-84at Las Vegas AcesJun 6
- L84-87at Minnesota LynxJun 5
- W95-77vs Portland FireJun 3
- L81-91vs Las Vegas AcesMay 31
- W90-88vs Indiana FeverMay 29
- W97-70vs Connecticut SunMay 26
- L82-90at Indiana FeverMay 22
- W87-70at New York LibertyMay 22
- L63-69vs Chicago SkyMay 14
- W95-79vs Phoenix MercuryMay 11
Phoenix Mercury
Last 10: 3-7Streak W280.2 scored · 85.8 allowed per game2-3 away
- W78-72at Portland FireJun 6
- W72-68at Seattle StormJun 4
- L77-111vs Minnesota LynxJun 2
- L68-75at New York LibertyMay 29
- L74-84at New York LibertyMay 27
- L80-82at Atlanta DreamMay 24
- L88-97vs Los Angeles SparksMay 22
- L90-98vs Toronto TempoMay 20
- W91-83vs Chicago SkyMay 16
- L84-88vs Minnesota LynxMay 13
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 | Phoenix Mercury | Golden State Valkyries |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 30-65 | 27-61 |
| Field goal % | 46 | 44 |
| Three-pointers | 9-25 | 10-29 |
| Three-point % | 36 | 34 |
| Free throws | 12-18 | 23-28 |
| Free throw % | 67 | 82 |
| Rebounds | 33 | 27 |
| Offensive rebounds | 9 | 6 |
| Defensive rebounds | 24 | 21 |
| Assists | 23 | 18 |
| Steals | 7 | 8 |
| Blocks | 2 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 9 |
| Team turnovers | 4 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 2 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 2 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 17 | 11 |
| Fast-break points | 20 | 4 |
| Points in the paint | 32 | 34 |
| Fouls | 20 | 21 |
| Largest lead | 6 | 18 |
| Lead changes | 4 | 4 |
| Time in front | 11 | 87 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter43-55Alyssa Thomas makes layup (Noemie Brochant assists)
- 3rd Quarter43-57Veronica Burton makes driving layup
- 3rd Quarter43-58Veronica Burton makes free throw 1 of 1
- 3rd Quarter46-58Noemie Brochant makes 26-foot three point jumper (Alyssa Thomas assists)
- 3rd Quarter48-58Alyssa Thomas makes driving layup (Noemie Brochant assists)
- 3rd Quarter49-58Alyssa Thomas makes free throw 1 of 1
- 3rd Quarter48-59Veronica Burton makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter52-59Lexi Held makes 25-foot running jump shot (Alyssa Thomas assists)
- 3rd Quarter54-59Alyssa Thomas makes running layup (Lexi Held assists)
- 3rd Quarter54-60Janelle Salaun makes free throw 1 of 3
- 3rd Quarter54-61Janelle Salaun makes free throw 2 of 3
- 3rd Quarter54-62Janelle Salaun makes free throw 3 of 3
- 3rd Quarter54-64Kaila Charles makes two point shot
- 3rd Quarter54-65Tiffany Hayes makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter54-66Tiffany Hayes makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter56-66Natasha Mack makes 11-foot step back jumpshot (Lexi Held assists)
- 3rd Quarter58-66Lexi Held makes 7-foot floating jump shot (Monique Akoa Makani assists)
- 3rd Quarter61-66Noemie Brochant makes 24-foot running jump shot (Monique Akoa Makani assists)
- 4th Quarter61-68Gabby Williams makes 5-foot floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter61-69Gabby Williams makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter63-69Natasha Mack makes tip shot
- 4th Quarter64-69Alyssa Thomas makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter64-71Veronica Burton makes 4-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter67-71DeWanna Bonner makes 30-foot three point jumper (Alyssa Thomas assists)
- 4th Quarter67-74Gabby Williams makes 24-foot three point jumper (Veronica Burton assists)
- 4th Quarter69-74Alyssa Thomas makes 7-foot floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter72-74Kahleah Copper makes 25-foot three point jumper (Alyssa Thomas assists)
- 4th Quarter72-76Gabby Williams makes 4-foot layup (Veronica Burton assists)
- 4th Quarter75-76Monique Akoa Makani makes 25-foot three point jumper (Noemie Brochant assists)
- 4th Quarter75-78Kaila Charles makes layup (Gabby Williams assists)
- 4th Quarter76-78Alyssa Thomas makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter76-81Kayla Thornton makes 23-foot three point jumper (Veronica Burton assists)
- 4th Quarter78-81Monique Akoa Makani makes 19-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter78-83Gabby Williams makes driving layup (Veronica Burton assists)
- 4th Quarter78-84Gabby Williams makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter80-84Alyssa Thomas makes 6-foot turnaround jump shot (Noemie Brochant assists)
- 4th Quarter81-84Alyssa Thomas makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter81-85Gabby Williams makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter81-86Kayla Thornton makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter81-87Kayla Thornton makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Golden State Valkyries, below favours Phoenix Mercury.
Venue
- Chase CenterSan Francisco, CA
- Attendance18064
- OfficialsFatou Cissoko-Stephens, Angel Kent, Agon Abazi
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