SAN FRANCISCO — Alyssa Thomas was the star in the Phoenix Mercury’s 78-77 win against the Golden State Valkyries, with her free throw being the difference in a thrilling game on Monday night.
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Jul 14, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) scores a game-winning free throw with one second remaining on the clock during the fourth quarter against the Golden State Valkyries at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images
The Mercury went on a 12-2 run in the beginning minutes of the game, with four three-pointers from the team to start. The Valkyries quickly answered back, going on a 10-point run of their own to take a 20-16 lead after the first quarter.
In the second quarter, the Mercury took the lead after scoring 20 points. DeWanna Bonner had eight of Phoenix’s points in the quarter after going three for three to take a 36-32 lead into the half.
Jul 14, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Valkyries forward Monique Billings (25) blows a kiss after scoring a three-point basket against the Phoenix Mercury during the third quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images
Golden State started to shoot more efficiently from three, making five three-pointers in the next quarter. Bonner continued to be Phoenix’s force on offense as she had three important shots in the final two minutes of the third. The Mercury led 59-58 after three quarters.
The Valkyries went on a 6-2 run to open the last ten minutes of the game to retake the lead. It was a back-and-forth battle up until the final moments, with Thomas’ free throw at the last second sealing the win.
Jul 14, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Valkyries guard Tiffany Hayes (15) drives in against Phoenix Mercury guard DeWanna Bonner (14) during the second quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images
Bonner scored 22 points in her second game with Phoenix from the bench, going 87.5% from the field.
Golden State’s Defense
Jul 14, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Fans react behind Golden State Valkyries forward Janelle Salaun (13) after scoring a basket against the Phoenix Mercury during the fourth quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images
The Valkyries’ defense made the game close, forcing 14 turnovers against the Mercury. Although she didn’t play in the last game against Golden State due to injury, Thomas gave them credit for how they played in tonight’s matchup.
“[The Valkyries] play exceptionally at home,” Thomas said after the game. “We knew that coming in. The fanbase definitely feels them. We know that they like to pack the paint. It was about spraying it out, getting shots in and attacking when you have mismatches.”
One More On The Road
With a kiss goodnight ????
Xoxo,
AT pic.twitter.com/sEOS2pztUe— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) July 15, 2025
The Phoenix Mercury will have Tuesday off before traveling to their last game before the All-Star game, facing the Minnesota Lynx on Wednesday, July 16.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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