PHOENIX – Wednesday night might have looked like another comeback win on the outside. The Phoenix Mercury, however, may remember it differently. Against the Golden State Valkyries, Phoenix delivered a hard-fought and energetic effort in the first game since the All-Star break. Can that momentum lead to them stacking even more wins? Mercury HC Nate Tibbets hopes so.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!“To see the joy in that locker room… this is why we do this s***.”@phoenixmercury Head Coach Nate Tibbetts didn’t hold back after their victory over the Valkyries on Wednesday. #WNBA #Mercury pic.twitter.com/wrqx0E8n6O
— Ben Bliklen (@benbliklen) July 30, 2026
Credit: Matthew Rowland | Burn City Sports
The Mercury opened with the defensive intensity that had been missing in recent outings, taking a 21-18 lead after the first quarter while forcing difficult shots and controlling the pace. It looked like a team that had benefited from rest and was determined to reset its season. That identity didn’t completely disappear when Golden State responded. The Valkyries found their rhythm in the second quarter by knocking down timely three-pointers and converting momentum-changing and-one opportunities. Those extra possessions slowly shifted the game, exposing how thin the margin for error has become for Phoenix. Still, the Mercury refused to fold.
Credit: Matthew Rowland | Burn City Sports
Rather than allowing the game to unravel, Phoenix continued competing possession after possession. A late surge in the third quarter trimmed the deficit to 66-60, injecting life into both the bench and the crowd. Even after falling behind multiple times, the Phoenix Mercury consistently answered with defensive stops and aggressive drives, showing the resilience that contenders often need during difficult stretches. Kahleah Copper was leading the way for Phoenix all night and ended up shooting 9-for-14 and had 27 points on the night.
“It felt like a playoff atmosphere for sure.”
Got to interview @PhoenixMercury’s Kahleah Copper on how the energy felt different in tonight’s victory, and how this victory something they can build off of. #WNBA #PhoenixMercury pic.twitter.com/3J0Qd0tc3m
— Ben Bliklen (@benbliklen) July 30, 2026
Credit: Matthew Rowland | Burn City Sports
Momentum isn’t always created by victories. Sometimes it’s built through belief. The Phoenix Mercury proved they can still defend at a high level, match another playoff-caliber team’s physicality, and respond when the game starts slipping away. Those traits are far more sustainable than simply hoping shots begin to fall. The season remains at a crossroads, and every game carries increasing weight. But if Phoenix can replicate the defensive effort, intensity, and fight it displayed against Golden State, Wednesday’s victory could ultimately become the performance that reignited its season.
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, Phoenix Suns, and Phoenix Mercury for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
