Williams Shines as Valkyries Prepare to Face Mercury in San Francisco

The Golden State Valkyries are set to host the Phoenix Mercury in San Francisco on Tuesday at 10 p.m. EDT, following a strong performance from Gabby Williams, who scored 27 points in a recent narrow defeat to the Las Vegas Aces. With a current record of 6-5, the Valkyries sit eighth in the WNBA standings, averaging 85.8 points per game and maintaining a shooting percentage of 40.6% from the field.

The Mercury, holding a 4-8 record, are positioned at 3-4 within the Western Conference. They have struggled in close games, with a 1-3 record in matches decided by a margin of ten points or more. Phoenix is averaging 81.7 points per game, slightly above the 80.5 points they permit opponents to score.

In their previous encounter on May 11, the Valkyries emerged victorious with a score of 95-79. Janelle Salaun was a standout for Golden State in that matchup, contributing 21 points, while Alyssa Thomas led Phoenix with 19 points.

Currently, Veronica Burton is making significant contributions for the Valkyries, averaging 13.7 points and 5.5 assists. Gabby Williams has been particularly effective recently, scoring an average of 15.3 points over the last ten games. For the Mercury, Thomas is averaging 15 points, alongside 7 rebounds and 7.5 assists.

In the last ten games, the Valkyries have recorded a 5-5 record, averaging 85.3 points and shooting 40.4% from the field. In contrast, the Mercury have struggled, with a 3-7 record and a shooting percentage of 39.8%.

The Valkyries will be without Iliana Rupert for the season due to pregnancy, while the Mercury face injury challenges with Sami Whitcomb out and Alyssa Thomas and Kahleah Copper listed as day-to-day.