Rookie guard Lexi Held delivered a breakout performance Thursday night, scoring a career-high 24 points as the Phoenix Mercury stormed back to defeat the Golden State Valkyries 86-77. Held’s explosive night included 7-of-15 shooting from the field and 4-of-9 from beyond the arc, making her the highest-scoring rookie in the WNBA this season.
The Mercury trailed by eight with just over four minutes left before Held sparked an 18-1 closing run, including a clutch three-pointer that gave Phoenix the lead for good. Satou Sabally also played a critical role, finishing with points, seven rebounds, and five assists, including a pivotal three-point play in the final minute.
Golden State, led by Veronica Burton’s points, saw its late-game lead evaporate under relentless Mercury defense and Held’s timely shooting Despite missing key players Kahleah Copper and Alyssa Thomas, Phoenix improved to 6-3 on the season and remains among the league’s top home teams.
Sabally praised Held’s impact on both ends, calling her “a very intelligent player” who locks down opponents defensively. Held credited her teammates and coaches for her growing confidence, emphasizing the team’s never-quit mentality.
The Mercury look to build on this momentum as they prepare to host the Seattle Storm in their next matchup. For the Valkyries, the loss marks their fourth straight, leaving them searching for answers as the season heats up.
Watch Lexi Held’s highlights from her career night against the Valkyries:
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