21-18. That was the edge Phoenix held at first-quarter break, its defense buzzing with the intensity missing in three of its previous four games. Golden State entered with a 10-4 record and the league’s second-ranked offense, but the Mercury’s physical coverage forced 8 turnovers in the first 12 minutes alone.
Golden State’s second-quarter run nearly derailed the momentum
The Valkyries responded by hitting six straight three-pointers between the 8:32 and 3:11 marks of the second quarter, turning a 29-28 Phoenix lead into a 45-39 deficit. The shift exposed Phoenix’s thin margin for error – its bench had contributed just 14 points in the season’s first 21 games.
Third-quarter comeback sets up tense finish
A 13-4 run to open the third quarter erased Golden State’s lead. Copper scored 8 of the Mercury’s final 9 points in the period, including a left-handed finish over Morgan with 4:17 remaining.
Copper’s 9-for-14 efficiency included a pair of go-ahead three-pointers in the fourth quarter. After falling behind 75-68 entering the final frame, the Mercury converted 10 of 14 free throws and held Golden State to 2-for-12 shooting in the last 10 minutes. With 2:11 left and the game tied at 78, Jones blocked Morgan’s driving attempt and fed Copper for the go-ahead dunk – the third of her career.