Shorthanded Valkyries run out of gas against star-studded Mercury
SAN FRANCISCO – A chaotic pregame frenzy that saw two regular Valkyries starters listed as last-second scratches predated a chaotic barnburner against the high-powered Mercury.
Golden State, with only eight players available, lost to Phoenix 98-91 at Chase Center in the third matchup between the teams jockeying for playoff positioning. The Mercury, seeded fourth, have now won all three games against the seventh-seeded Valkyries.
Veronica Burton continued to stuff the stat sheet at point guard, putting up an efficient 24 points and 14 assists, while surprise starter Kate Martin put in 14 points. Janelle Salaun scored 13 and Carla Leite threw in 15.
“I’m really impressed with our ability to step up,” Burton said. “So, testament to everyone just stepping up, testament to Kate (Martin) being ready when her number is called, getting thrown into the starting lineup.”
Kahleah Copper led the Mercury with 25 points, while Satou Sabally put up 17 points and triple-double machine Alyssa Thomas had 13 points, eight assists and nine rebounds.
Golden State led 73-68 after three quarters, but the loaded Mercury were too much for the home team in the fourth. Phoenix outscored the Valkyries 30-16 over the last 10 minutes.
But the drama began long before tipoff.
Only a few hours after coach Natalie Nakase called Tuesday’s matchup a must-win, veteran guard Tiffany Hayes was held out for rest purposes.
Hot-shooting forward Cecilia Zandalasini went through warmups, but was replaced in the starting lineup by Kate Martin and did not appear on the bench.
“They both warmed up pre-game and they didn’t feel 100% healthy,” coach Natalie Nakase said. “You know my motto, right? If they’re not 100% and they don’t feel right, it’s not time to play.”
The Italian perimeter player was ruled out with a left calf strain midway through the first quarter. Centers Monique Billings (left ankle sprain) and Iliana Rupert (concussion) were already unavailable for the team fighting for postseason seeding.
Golden State led 31-28 at halftime, and 59-47 at halftime in front of the team’s 17th consecutive sellout in San Francisco.
The Valkyries are now seventh in the playoff standings with eight games left. Golden State (18-17) will have two days to rest up before it hits the road and plays a rematch with the Mercury in Phoenix.