Matchup: Golden State Valkyries vs Phoenix Mercury
Date: Friday, August 22, 2025
Venue: Footprint Center, Phoenix, AZ
Broadcast: WNBA League Pass
In an exciting contest, the Golden State Valkyries (18-17) will face off against the Phoenix Mercury (21-13) this Friday at Footprint Center.
In their previous encounter, the Golden State Valkyries clashed with the Phoenix Mercury and suffered a defeat, ending with a score of 98-91. The Valkyries managed a shooting accuracy of 41.6%, hitting 32 out of 77 attempts, including 12 from beyond the arc out of 35 tries. They excelled at the free-throw line, scoring 15 out of 17 for a commendable 88.2%. On the rebounding front, they collected 29 boards, with 9 being offensive. Additionally, they provided 20 assists while forcing 10 turnovers and achieving 9 steals. Defensively, the Valkyries allowed the Mercury to shoot 49.3% from the field, with Phoenix successfully making 34 out of 69 shots. The Mercury also secured 40 rebounds (10 offensive, 30 defensive) and recorded 3 blocks, finishing 82.6% from the free-throw line by converting 19 of 23. They tallied 11 successful 3-pointers from 31 attempts.
Veronica Burton stood out as a key player, contributing 24 points on 6 of 13 shooting in 34 minutes of play. She also grabbed 2 rebounds and dished out 14 assists, showcasing her all-around skills.
Explore our Free WNBA Picks for more insights!
W**Articles-WNBA**W
Heading into this matchup, Golden State holds an 18-17 record for the season. They are shooting 32.4% from 3-point range (343 of 1,058) and boast an 81.4% free throw percentage. Averaging 78.2 points per game (11th in the league), they shoot 40.5% from the field. The Valkyries turn the ball over 12.8 times per game and commit an average of 18.1 fouls. As a team, they are grabbing 35.2 boards per contest and have recorded a total of 641 assists, placing them 12th in the WNBA for assists. On the defensive side, they have managed to force 12.0 turnovers per game and allow 31.9% shooting from beyond the arc, ranking them 2nd in points allowed per game at 77.4. The Valkyries permit an opponent field goal percentage of 40.8% (420 of 633) and give up 33.7 rebounds per game. They rank 5th in the WNBA for assists allowed with a total of 672.
In their last meeting, the Phoenix Mercury secured a victory against the Valkyries, finishing 98-91. The Mercury achieved 30 defensive and 10 offensive rebounds, totaling 40. They turned the ball over 10 times and secured 1 steal. The Valkyries committed 18 fouls, granting Phoenix 23 free throw attempts, of which they converted 19 for 82.6%. The Mercury’s 3-point shooting saw them make 11 out of 31 attempts (35.5%). Overall, Phoenix shot 49.3% from the field with 34 successful baskets out of 69 attempts, while the Valkyries finished at 41.6% with 32 from 77 attempts and achieved 15 out of 17 at the free throw line (88.2%). The Mercury allowed Golden State to capture 29 rebounds, including 9 offensive boards.
Kahleah Copper was a standout for Phoenix, scoring 25 points on 9 of 20 shooting (45.0%) and contributing 5 rebounds in her 32 minutes on the court, alongside 1 assist.
Currently, the Phoenix Mercury boasts a record of 21-13. They average 18.4 fouls per game and connect on 79.0% of free throws. The team registers 20.8 assists per game (6th in the league) and turns the ball over 12.6 times on average. Throughout the season, Phoenix has accumulated 2,843 points (83.6 per game) and pulls in 34.6 rebounds per contest. Offensively, they hit 43.6% of their field goals, ranking 8th overall. Defensively, they are 4th in points allowed, giving up 80.1 per game, while allowing 19.6 assists and 35.2 rebounds per game (6th and 10th in the WNBA, respectively). Phoenix also limits opponents to 32.3% shooting from 3-point range (273 of 844) and allows 81.3% from the free throw line. They force 14.6 turnovers on average and permit opponents to shoot 42.4% from the field (4th in the league).
Who will come out victorious in tonight’s WNBA showdown against the spread?
Pick from Tony Sink: Back Golden State
Claim $60 worth of FREE premium member picks. No Strings Attached. No Sales Pressure. Easy Sign Up with Instant Access! Click Here
