The Phoenix Mercury held off the Golden State Valkyries for an 81-72 home victory in a WNBA matchup on August 23, 2025. In a game featuring two of the league's exciting backcourts, the Mercury's experience and clutch shooting down the stretch proved the difference in a hard-fought contest. The Valkyries started fast, using their athleticism to build an early lead, but Phoenix responded with a run of their own to take a narrow advantage into halftime. The third quarter saw multiple lead changes, setting up a tense final period. With the score tied midway through the fourth, the Mercury's star players hit a series of difficult shots to create separation, while their defense locked in to limit Golden State's opportunities. The win was crucial for Phoenix's playoff positioning in a tight Western Conference race. Mercury's coach praised her team's resilience, and the Valkyries' coach noted the learning experience for her young squad in a close road game.