Golden State Valkyries Gabby Williams (1) takes a jump shot against the Phoenix Mercury at the Chase Center on Sun May 10, 2026 (Golden State Valkyrie X photo)

By Michael Roberson

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — The Golden State Valkyries (2-0) won their initial home game of the 2026 & 30th WNBA season, with a victory over the Phoenix Mercury (1-1) 0-0, inside a raucous sellout Chase Center crowd.

The Mercury, fresh off the heels of upsetting the defending champion Las Vegas Aces on their home opener and ring ceremony, attempted to do the same Ballhalla. Phoenix started the game with a 7-0 run, punching the home team in the mouth. The lead in the first quarter peaked at nine for the visitors from the Arizona desert.

After ten minutes of game action, the Valkyries trailed by three, 20-17. They chipped away from the larger deficit, to be within one possession of a tie or the lead. Golden State was about to make a gigantic roll of their own.

In the second quarter, the home team completed a 27-point turnaround, going from nine down to up by 18 before halftime. The Valkyries fought back and finally took the lead around the 7-minute mark of the second stanza. Later, with a 7-0 run included, they posted their highest advantage of 18 points. After outscoring Phoenix by 20 points in the second quarter, Golden State led by 17 at recess, 48-31.

Only one player on either squad scored at least 10 points at the half. Valkyries’ forward Kayla Thornton scored 14 points, in her attempt to recover from her season-ending injury months ago.

In the second half, Phoenix began the segment as they did in the first half, with an 8-0 run. They made several attempdown to sts at the lead, but Golden State was able to stave them off every time. As the third quadrant ended, the lead was down to single digits (4), 66-62.

The final quarter was also contentious momentarily, as the Mercury was a three-pointer away from tying the game at 73. However, when that shot went awry, Golden State turned that opportunity into a 10-0 run for themselves. That essentially put the contest out of reach, during that time frame.

As the final buzzer sounded in the arena by the Bay, the Valkyries won by 16 points, 95-79, and were still undefeated.

The Valkyries had five players with double-figure scoring. Janelle Salaun led all players with 21 points, while both Kayla Thornton and Gabby Williams each had 19 points. Veronica Burton performed a double-double with 13 points nd 12 assists, and Laeticia Amihere also chipped in 13 points.

The Mercury presented four hoopers with the aforementioned accomplishment. Alyssa Thomas almost messed around and had a triple-double, as she tallied 19 points, 11 assists, and 9 rebounds. Joining her was Jovanna Nogic (16), and Kahleah Copper & Natasha Mack, both put up 11 points for their team.

The Valkyries will next be in action Wednesday, May 13, at home hosting the Chicago Sky at 7 PM PT on KMAX/KPIX+. The Mercury head back to Phoenix Tuesday, May 12, to host the Minnesota Lynx at & PM PT on 3TV.