Phoenix-El Novato Lexi said he scored 24 points, Satou Sabally had 19 points, seven rebounds and five assists and the Phoenix Mercury closed an 18-1 race to overcome the Golden State State Valkyries 86-77 on Thursday night.
Phoenix continued 76-68 with 4:04 remaining.
Celebrated put the mercury ahead 77-76 with 1:11 remaining in a deep triple. After Golden State was 1 by 2 in the free throw line, Sabally recovered his own lady and put it while receiving a foul. Sabally made the free kick for a three-point play and an 8-77 advantage with 33.3 remaining.
The Golden State Guard, Veronica Burton, lost an open tray at the other end and Sabally received a foul before making two free throws for an advantage of five points. The Valkyries turned it around in their next two incoming plays, and El Mercurio made four consecutive free throws to seal it.
Held was 7 for 15 from the field, including 4 of 9 behind the arch, and 6 of 6 in the free throw line for the best score production of a rookie this season, passing the 21 mark of Paige Bueckers.
Phoenix (6-3) improved 5-1 at home, a better franchise to start a season.
Sami Whitcomomb added nine points before dirty late for Phoenix, which was without starting Kahleah Copper (left knee) and Alyssa Thomas (left calf).
Burton led Golden State (2-5) with 16 points, going 9 by 11 in the free throw line. Temi Fagbenle had 12 points and 10 rebounds. Kayla Thornton, Cecilia Zandalasini and Julie Vanloo scored 10.
Jersey exchange
Megan McConnell, sister of the NBA guard TJ McConnellHe wore Indiana Pacers’s number 9 at the bank after being injured in Phoenix’s defeat against Minnesota on Tuesday. He was seen arriving at the NBA finals with his Mercury T -shirt No. 16.
