Mercury Comeback Bid Comes Up Short Against Valkyries
The Phoenix Mercury battled back from a 17-point halftime deficit but could not complete the comeback, falling 87-81 to the Golden State Valkyries on June 9, 2026, at Chase Center in San Francisco.

After struggling through the first half, Phoenix erupted in the third quarter behind the leadership of Alyssa Thomas and the hot shooting of Monique Akoa Makani. Despite cutting the lead to just five points entering the fourth quarter, the Mercury were unable to overcome early turnovers, free-throw disparities, and a dominant performance from Golden State's Veronica Burton and Gabby Williams.

The loss snapped Phoenix's two-game winning streak and highlighted both the resilience and challenges facing the Mercury as the 2026 WNBA season continues.

First Half Belongs to Golden State
The Valkyries established control early thanks to an aggressive offensive attack and efficient shooting.

Golden State outscored Phoenix 22-18 in the opening quarter before exploding for a 27-14 advantage in the second quarter. Veronica Burton was nearly unstoppable, scoring 19 first-half points while orchestrating the Valkyries' offense.

Golden State shot over 57 percent from the floor during the first two quarters and consistently attacked the basket, earning trips to the free-throw line while forcing Phoenix into costly mistakes.

By halftime, the Mercury trailed 49-32 and appeared to be in danger of being blown out.

Alyssa Thomas Sparks Mercury Comeback
If there was a bright spot for Phoenix, it was the return of Alyssa Thomas.

After missing the previous game due to a calf injury, Thomas delivered one of her strongest performances of the season. The veteran forward controlled the tempo in the second half and nearly posted a triple-double.

​Thomas finished with:

Her ability to attack the paint and create opportunities for teammates fueled a dramatic third-quarter rally.

Phoenix scored 29 points in the third quarter and cut the deficit from 17 points down to just five heading into the final period.

The Mercury suddenly had momentum and appeared poised to steal a road victory.

Monique Akoa Makani Continues to Shine
Another major contributor for Phoenix was Monique Akoa Makani.

The young guard provided an offensive spark throughout the night and kept the Mercury within striking distance.

​Akoa Makani finished with:

Her ability to stretch the floor forced Golden State's defense to respect the perimeter and opened driving lanes for Thomas and the Mercury offense.

As the season progresses, Akoa Makani continues to emerge as one of Phoenix's most promising contributors.

Fourth Quarter Execution Lifts Valkyries
Despite Phoenix's comeback effort, Golden State delivered when it mattered most.

Gabby Williams took over during critical stretches of the fourth quarter, knocking down timely shots and preventing the Mercury from getting any closer.

Williams scored 25 points and made several clutch plays in the final minutes, including a huge three-pointer and a three-point play that helped seal the victory.

Veronica Burton matched Williams with 25 points while adding 8 assists, giving Golden State one of its most productive backcourt performances of the season.

The duo combined for 50 of the Valkyries' 87 points.

Whenever Phoenix threatened, Golden State had an answer.

Why the Mercury Lost
The final score may have been close, but several factors ultimately decided the game.

Turnovers
Phoenix committed 16 turnovers compared to only 9 by Golden State.

Those mistakes translated directly into transition opportunities and extra possessions for the Valkyries.

Free Throws
Golden State's aggressiveness paid off at the foul line.

​The Valkyries shot:

Phoenix shot:

The 11-point difference from the charity stripe proved decisive in a six-point game.

Slow Start
The Mercury's second-quarter struggles created a deficit that was simply too difficult to overcome.

Despite winning the third quarter by 12 points, Phoenix spent the entire second half trying to erase the damage done before halftime.

Complete Team Statistics
​Phoenix finished with advantages in several categories:

However, Golden State won where it mattered most:

The Valkyries also received balanced scoring contributions throughout the lineup, helping offset Phoenix's advantages in other areas.

Key Performers

Phoenix Mercury
Alyssa Thomas
22 Points, 8 Rebounds, 9 Assists

Monique Akoa Makani
19 Points, 3 Three-Pointers

Noémie Brochant
10 Points, 6 Assists

Natasha Mack
9 Points, 10 Rebounds

Golden State Valkyries
Veronica Burton
25 Points, 8 Assists

Gabby Williams
25 Points, 4 Rebounds

Kayla Thornton
12 Points

Janelle Salaün
11 Points

What This Means for Phoenix
While the loss was disappointing, there were positive takeaways for the Mercury.

The return of Alyssa Thomas immediately elevated the team's offense and overall energy. The third-quarter surge demonstrated Phoenix's ability to compete with anyone when playing at its best.

​However, the game also reinforced areas that need improvement:

If Phoenix can address those issues, the Mercury have the talent to climb the WNBA standings as the season progresses.

​For one night, though, a valiant comeback effort was not enough as the Golden State Valkyries protected home court and handed Phoenix an 87-81 defeat.

Past Mercury Articles:
Phoenix Mercury Hold Off Portland Fire for Hard-Fought Road Victory. 
Minnesota Lynx Dominate Phoenix Mercury 111-77 as Winning Streak Reaches Five Games 

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