SAN FRANCISCO — The Phoenix Mercury defeated the Golden State Valkyries on Tuesday evening, 98-91, with forward Natasha Mack providing critical minutes for Phoenix.
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Aug 19, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Sami Whitcomb (33) celebrates with teammates against the Golden State Valkyries in the fourth quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
The Mercury were in trouble early on in the game, giving up 31 points in the first quarter and down by 12 at one point. However, as the second half came around, Phoenix relied on its entire rotation to get stops and outscore Golden State 51-32.
“It was probably our worst defensive half of the season,” Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts said after the game, according to the team’s post-game recording. “… We’re gonna make or miss shots, we’re gonna try to share it, but we have to guard and we did that in the second half.”
Aug 19, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Valkyries guard Veronica Burton (22) drives to the basket against Phoenix Mercury center Natasha Mack (4) in the fourth quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
Mack was one of the stars in the win, making all seven of her shot attempts, with seven rebounds and a career-high 14 points. She’s the first Phoenix player this season to go 100.0% in her attempts.
“I thought her minutes in the fourth quarter were extremely important,” Tibbetts said. “Just because she does such a good job in the pick and roll. Our team is feeling more comfortable finding her in her roles and around the rim.”
Aug 19, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Phoenix Mercury center Natasha Mack (4) shoots against Golden State Valkyries forward Janelle Salaun (13) in the fourth quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
In terms of her growth throughout this season, Mack tries not to be too hard on herself.
“I just really have to not beat myself up over shots I miss,” she said, according to the team’s post-game recording. “And just go out there and play like I’ve been playing and work on the moves I’ve been working on. Just be confident, like I’m out there for a reason.”
10-0 when 5+ players score 10+ points !!!
This Is Mercury Basketball. pic.twitter.com/ViKhElTeSU
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) August 20, 2025
With Mack’s perfect game and the team’s resilient comeback in the second half, the Mercury look to carry momentum into their last game of the road trip on Thursday.
Aug 19, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) dribbles against Golden State Valkyries guard Kaitlyn Chen (2) in the first quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
The Phoenix Mercury will now head to Nevada to face the Las Vegas Aces on Aug. 21.
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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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