Phoenix (AP) – Rookie Lexi achieved a season-high of 24 points, while Satou Sabury contributed 19 points, seven rebounds, and five assists as the Phoenix Mercury triumphed on Thursday night, defeating the Golden State Valkyries 86-77 and extending their winning streak to 18-1.
The Mercury trailed at 76-68 with 4:04 remaining.
Securing the lead at 77-76, Sabury sank a deep 3-pointer with 1:11 left on the clock. After Golden State managed only 1 out of 2 from the free-throw line, Sabury capitalized on the opportunity by scoring while being fouled. He completed a 3-point play with 33.3 seconds to go and then converted a free throw to give Phoenix an 80-77 advantage.
On the ensuing possession, Golden State Guard Veroni Cavalton missed a wide-open layup, leading to Sabury being fouled again, which allowed him to make two free throws, extending the lead to five points. The Valkyries turned the ball over on their next two inbounds, and the Mercury sealed the game with four consecutive free throws.
The team shot 7 for 15 from the field, hitting 4 of 9 from beyond the arc, and maintaining a perfect 6 for 6 at the free-throw line this season, surpassing the Page Bookers’ mark by 21.
Phoenix (6-3) improved their home record to 5-1, marking a strong start for the franchise this season.
Sami Whitcomb added nine points for Phoenix before fouling out late in the game.
Burton led Golden State (2-5) with 16 points and added 9 out of 11 from the free-throw line. Temi Fagbenie posted 12 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, while Kayla Thornton, Cecilia Zandalasini, and Julie Vanloo each chipped in with 10 points.
Jersey Swap
Megan McConnell, sister of NBA guard TJ McConnell, was spotted wearing his 9th Indiana Pacers jersey on the bench after suffering an injury in Phoenix’s loss to Minnesota on Tuesday. She was also seen arriving at the NBA Finals adorned in her No. 16 Mercury jersey.
___
AP WNBA: https://apnews.com/hub/wnba-basketball
Source: apnews.com