SAN FRANCISCO — The Phoenix Mercury’s 87-81 loss to the Golden State Valkyries on Tuesday was about more than missed opportunities — it was about offensive inconsistency.
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Jun 9, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard-forward Kahleah Copper (2) shoots a layup against Golden State Valkyries center Kiah Stokes (41) during the first quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-Imagn Images
The turning point came in the second quarter, when the Valkyries outscored the Mercury 27-14 and left Phoenix playing catch-up for the rest of the night. Despite responding after halftime and narrowing the deficit to five points after the third quarter and just one late in the fourth, they could not complete the comeback.
While Phoenix has shown flashes of offensive potential this season, it has struggled to sustain production throughout all four quarters. Against Golden State, scoring opportunities became difficult to generate during key stretches, especially when the Valkyries increased defensive pressure and forced Phoenix into contested shots.
Jun 9, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard-forward Kahleah Copper (2) shoots a layup against Golden State Valkyries center Kiah Stokes (41) and forward Gabby Williams (1) during the second quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-Imagn Images
That lack of consistency showed up in other areas as well. Despite 51 combined points from Alyssa Thomas, Monique Akoa Makani and Noemie Brochant, the Mercury’s bench was outscored 22-12 as the Valkyries’ reserves provided dynamic shooting off the bench. Phoenix is a club known to win when everyone contributes, and when the starters aren’t getting support from the second unit, it creates more pressure on them to carry the scoring load.
As much as the Mercury are trying to establish a defensive identity, they’re still searching for consistency on the offensive end. Tuesday’s performance highlighted how much work remains in that area.
Jun 9, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Valkyries forward Kayla Thornton (5) shoots a three point basket against Phoenix Mercury forward-center Natasha Mack (4) during the first quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-Imagn Images
While they led in fast-break points with 20, the Mercury’s costly 16 turnovers led to 17 Golden State points. Taking care of the ball comes with trust and chemistry, and with roster changes and lineup adjustments, those areas can take time to develop.
However, Tuesday’s game also showcased that this is still a work in progress, and the Mercury still have time to correct these issues.
They showed resilience by battling back after halftime, responding and showing how capable they are of competing with quality opponents on the road. Yet moral victories become less valuable as the season advances.
Mo in her bag all night 🎒
19 Points. 3 3PM. pic.twitter.com/wLcOkHDk9c
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) June 10, 2026
If there’s anything to take away from Tuesday, it’s that eliminating scoring lapses and sustaining offensive production are no longer just areas for improvement, but necessities along with defense.
Phoenix plays one more game on the road before returning home, taking on the Dallas Wings on Thursday, June 11, at 6 p.m.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
