Alyssa Thomas further cemented her legacy in the WNBA by recording her 17th career regular-season triple-double on Friday, leading the Phoenix Mercury to an 81-72 victory over the Golden State Valkyries. The win secured a season sweep for the Mercury on their home court.
Thomas contributed 13 points, 16 assists, and 12 rebounds, marking her fifth triple-double this month. She was among five Mercury players who scored in double figures, including DeWanna Bonner, who added 14 points off the bench.
Key Performances Propel Phoenix in Crucial Moments
Bonner’s timely shooting, with two three-pointers during a decisive third-quarter run, helped the Mercury outscore the Valkyries 17-7 in that period. Building on that momentum, Phoenix extended their advantage to as much as 20 points in the fourth quarter.
The Mercury’s defense dominated down the stretch, holding Golden State scoreless for nearly four minutes, a critical stretch during which the Valkyries failed to make a field goal for over five minutes. Despite a late rally led by Kate Martin’s seven points, the Valkyries could not overcome the deficit.
Statistics Highlight Differing Shooting Efficiencies
Golden State struggled offensively, hitting only 25 of 67 shots from the field and converting 8 of 31 attempts from beyond the arc. Phoenix shot more efficiently, completing 28 of 64 from the floor and hitting 14 of 32 three-pointers, which proved pivotal in maintaining their lead.
Monique Akoa Makani led the Mercury scorers with 18 points, shooting 6 of 9 overall, including 4 of 6 from three-point range. Satou Sabally and Kahleah Copper each contributed 12 points, supporting Phoenix’s balanced offensive effort.
On the Valkyries’ side, Janelle Salaun scored a team-high 15 points, while Veronica Burton added 11 points and eight assists.
Golden State Faces Challenges Amidst Tight Playoff Race
The loss marked Golden State’s third consecutive defeat, with key players Cecilia Zandalasini (calf) and Monique Billings (ankle) sidelined. As Seattle defeated Dallas, the Valkyries dropped to eighth place in the playoff standings, trailing the Storm by half a game.
Meanwhile, Phoenix’s win allowed them to climb into a tie for fourth place with the New York Liberty, who did not play on Friday.
Implications for Playoff Positioning and Momentum
Alyssa Thomas’s triple-double record not only highlights her individual brilliance but also underscores the Phoenix Mercury’s growing strength as the regular season advances. Their balanced scoring and solid defense could prove crucial in the push toward the playoffs.
For Golden State, overcoming injuries and improving offensive consistency will be vital to securing a higher playoff seed. With only a narrow margin separating the Valkyries from the Storm, upcoming games will be pivotal for their postseason aspirations.