The Golden State Valkyries opened their 2026 WNBA campaign with a commanding 95–79 victory over the visiting Phoenix Mercury on May 11 at Chase Center. In a game that showcased a balanced offensive attack and suffocating defense, the Valkyries served notice that they intend to be a serious contender in the Western Conference this season.

Match Overview

From the opening tip, Golden State controlled the tempo, using a relentless transition game and crisp ball movement to build an early double-digit lead. Phoenix, riding the leadership of veteran Diana Taurasi, fought back in the second quarter, but the Valkyries’ depth proved too much. By halftime, the home side led 52–40. The third quarter saw the Mercury cut the deficit to eight, but Golden State responded with a 12–2 run to close the period and never looked back.

Key Moments

• First-quarter surge: Golden State opened the game on a 14–3 run, fueled by three-point shooting from guard Sabrina Ionescu and sharp finishes from forward Aliyah Boston.
• Mercury’s second-quarter push: Phoenix guard Brittney Griner scored eight straight points in the paint, forcing an early Valkyries timeout and cutting the lead to 36–32.
• Decisive third-quarter run: After the Mercury closed within 62–54, Golden State point guard Chelsea Gray orchestrated a 10–0 spurt, finding open shooters and finishing with a floater in the lane.
• Fourth-quarter domination: The Valkyries outscored Phoenix 27–18 in the final period, with rookie guard Caitlin Clark knocking down two clutch three-pointers to put the game away.

Tactical Story

Golden State’s head coach, Noelle Quinn, employed a switching defense that disrupted Phoenix’s pick-and-roll action. The Valkyries held the Mercury to just 39% shooting from the field and forced 16 turnovers, converting them into 22 fast-break points. Offensively, the Valkyries shared the ball exceptionally well, recording 28 assists on 38 made field goals. Their spacing and ball movement created open looks from deep, where they connected on 12 of 30 three-point attempts.

Phoenix, meanwhile, relied heavily on isolation scoring from Taurasi and Griner. While Griner finished with 22 points and 9 rebounds, the Mercury’s supporting cast struggled to find rhythm. The Valkyries’ bench outscored Phoenix’s reserves 38–18, a telling statistic in the final margin.

Standout Players

• Sabrina Ionescu (GSW): The All-Star guard posted a game-high 26 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists, shooting 9-for-15 from the field and 4-for-7 from three-point range.
• Aliyah Boston (GSW): The forward was a force inside, tallying 18 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 blocks. Her presence deterred Phoenix from driving the lane.
• Brittney Griner (PHX): The Mercury center led her team with 22 points and 9 boards, but struggled with foul trouble in the second half.
• Caitlin Clark (GSW): In her WNBA debut, the rookie contributed 15 points and 5 assists off the bench, showcasing her deep shooting range and playmaking ability.

Season Impact

The victory gives the Valkyries a 1–0 start in a highly competitive Western Conference. With a mix of veteran savvy and young talent, Golden State looks poised to challenge the defending champion Las Vegas Aces and the Dallas Wings. Phoenix, now 0–1, will need to tighten its defense and get more contributions from its perimeter players as it prepares for a home matchup against the Seattle Storm.

This opening-night performance from Golden State—particularly the seamless integration of Clark into an already deep roster—sends a clear message: the Valkyries are not just a feel-good story; they are a legitimate title threat.