The Golden State Valkyries took the floor at Chase Center for their first-ever home game on July 14, facing off against the seasoned Phoenix Mercury in what became a night of highs and hard lessons. With a roaring crowd behind them, the Valkyries showed flashes of potential but ultimately fell short, losing 89–77 to a Mercury squad led by star performances from Diana Taurasi and Kahleah Copper.
Phoenix took early control of the game with sharp perimeter shooting and commanding paint presence, forcing Golden State into foul trouble before halftime. Taurasi, playing in what could be one of her final WNBA seasons, was clinical from beyond the arc, while Copper exploited mismatches with slashing drives that the Valkyries struggled to contain.
Despite the loss, the Valkyries showed promise behind the inspired play of rookie guard Jada Williams, who dropped 17 points and added five assists. Forward Cameron Brink also impressed with her defensive hustle, collecting four blocks and eight rebounds. Head coach Theresa Weatherspoon emphasized postgame that the young franchise is laying a foundation for long-term growth.
The atmosphere at Chase Center was electric, with a sellout crowd marking a strong start for women’s professional basketball in the Bay Area. From pregame ceremonies honoring Title IX pioneers to halftime performances featuring local artists, the Valkyries’ home opener blended competition with culture in a celebration of the league’s expansion.
As the Valkyries look ahead to their next stretch of games, the loss to Phoenix serves as a benchmark for where they need to grow. For the Mercury, the win was a critical step in their push for playoff positioning as they continue to blend youth with veteran leadership in a competitive Western Conference.
