RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 2 sourcesJul 17, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2) against the Connecticut Sun at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
PHOENIX – The Phoenix Mercury didn’t just beat the Golden State Valkyries on Wednesday night; they may have rediscovered the identity that can make them one of the WNBA’s most dangerous teams.
Credit: Matthew Roland | Burn City Sports
Phoenix opened the game with purpose, building a 21-18 lead after the first quarter behind physical defense, crisp ball movement, and the energy of a team determined to respond after the All-Star break. The Mercury looked fresh, connected, and aggressive from the opening tip. Golden State answered. The Valkyries caught fire in the second quarter, knocking down timely three-pointers and capitalizing on second-chance opportunities to swing momentum. Even without All-Star Gabby Williams in the lineup, Golden State showed why it has been one of the league’s toughest opponents this season, forcing Phoenix to earn every possession. That’s exactly what makes this win so significant.
Credit: Matthew Roland | Burn City Sports
Instead of folding when the Valkyries made their push, the Mercury stayed composed. Phoenix answered every run with one of its own, cutting through defensive pressure with disciplined execution while continuing to compete on the defensive end. The Mercury entered the fourth quarter believing they could finish the job, and they did. More importantly, they did it against a team that has consistently challenged some of the WNBA’s best. Kahleah Copper was leading the way for Phoenix all night and ended up shooting 9-for-14 and had 27 points on the night.
Credit: Matthew Roland | Burn City Sports
Momentum is one of the most powerful forces in professional sports, especially late in the season. Talent has never been Phoenix’s biggest question; consistency has. If Wednesday’s performance becomes the standard instead of the exception, the Mercury suddenly become a team no opponent will be eager to face. Championship runs often begin with one breakthrough victory that reminds a locker room what it’s capable of achieving. The standings will credit Phoenix with one win. The rest of the league may eventually look back on it as something much bigger, the night the Mercury finally found their rhythm, regained their confidence, and became a legitimate threat to make noise down the stretch.
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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
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