WNBA Game Preview: Phoenix Mercury (20-13) vs. Golden State Valkyries (18-16)

Team Form & Storylines

Phoenix enters the matchup well-rested after a rare four-day break — their longest since the All-Star break. With a fully healthy roster, they’re looking to rebound from a tough loss to Atlanta. Satou Sabally leads the team with 17.1 PPG, while Alyssa Thomas continues her triple-double threat, averaging 16.2 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 9.1 assists. The Mercury edged Golden State 78–77 in their last meeting on July 15, with Thomas sealing the win at the line.

The Valkyries are fighting to become the first expansion team to reach the playoffs in their inaugural season. Despite losing Kayla Thornton (14.0 PPG, 7.0 RPG) to a season-ending knee injury, Golden State has rallied behind Veronica Burton (12.8 PPG last 10 games) and Cecilia Zandalasini, who’s averaging 14.0 points since stepping into a starting role. Tuesday’s game kicks off a home-and-home series with Phoenix, with the rematch set for Friday in Arizona.

Head-to-Head & Key Matchups

Player	Team	Stat Focus
Alyssa Thomas	Mercury	16.2 PPG, 9.1 APG, 8.6 RPG
Satou Sabally	Mercury	17.1 PPG – team’s top scorer
Veronica Burton	Valkyries	14.1 PPG projection, 2.4 threes
Cecilia Zandalasini	Valkyries	14.0 PPG since Thornton injury
Kahleah Copper	Mercury	1.5 made threes per game last 10

Advanced Metrics

Mercury:

Points per Game: 83.1

FG%: 44.2%

Rebounds: 35.0

Assists: 20.3

Steals: 7.3

Blocks: 3.4

Valkyries:

Points per Game: 75.4

FG%: 41.4%

Rebounds: 33.1

Assists: 18.0

Steals: 6.1

Blocks: 2.0

Phoenix holds the edge in scoring, ball movement, and rim protection, while Golden State’s defense has kept opponents under 73 points per game during their recent surge.