Heartbreaker: Mercury’s Alyssa Thomas hits game-winning free throw in final seconds to down Valkyries’ comeback

SAN FRANCISCO For a moment it looked like the Valkyries were going to pull off the impossible Down four points with seconds left Golden State miraculously tied the challenge after rookie Janelle Sala n hit a fading -pointer and a fall away jumper to tie the competition at with just over six seconds left But in a crucial defensive possession the Valkyries got discombobulated and fouled Phoenix Mercury star Alyssa Thomas at the rim with one second left Thomas went on to hit one of two free throws to give the Mercury a - win In front of its th consecutive sellout crowd of the expansion squad shot from the field Golden State has now lost four of its last five games Veronica Burton had a team-high points Tiffany Hayes had points and Sala n had DeWanna Bonner led Phoenix with points Thomas finished with points assists and six rebounds The Mercury were without star players Satou Sabally right ankle and Kahleah Copper right hamstring who were out with injuries Despite having several early offensive struggles the Valkyries went into the fourth quarter down just a point A -pointer from Burton at the mark of the final period briefly gave the Valkyries a - lead The Mercury fleetly retook the momentum with a inadequate timely shots and led by one point with left in the championship Down three with seconds left the Valkyries had one more opportunity to tie the encounter The Valkyries drew up a drive to the rim for forward Cecilia Zandalasini but the Italian sharpshooter missed a lightly contested shot at the rim Sala n scored five points in a four-second span to tie the challenge On the Valkyries final defensive possession Hayes slipped on a screen forcing the defense to rotate which ultimately led to Thomas getting fouled at the rim The Valkyries discovered themselves in a -point hole just three minutes into the first quarter but recovered to finish the period strong Golden State went on a - run led by a flurry of s from Hayes that gave the Valkyries a four-point lead going into the second quarter Hayes came into Monday s challenge shooting from beyond the arc in her previous five games Related Articles Valkyries release veteran forward Talbot leaving open roster spot Valkyries takeaways Return to Vegas for Martin Nakase Hayes spoiled by Aces Valkyries throttle Indiana Caitlin Clark in big road win Valkyries to face Caitlin Clark when star returns from injury on Wednesday Valkyries now - after losing road encounter to Atlanta Golden State s hot shooting cooled down in the second quarter as they shot -for- in the period Despite shooting from the field in the first half Phoenix committed nine turnovers and struggled to stop Hayes who had nine first half points The Valkyries will return to the road on Wednesday when they play the Seattle Storm Golden State will then enjoy a nine-day hiatus as the All-Star encounter is scheduled for Sunday in Indianapolis Kayla Thornton is the Valkyries lone All-Star