Associated Press<\/p>\n
Golden State Valkyries<\/a> (18-17, 7-11 Western Conference) at Phoenix Mercury<\/a> (21-14, 11-9 Western Conference)<\/p>\n Phoenix; Friday, 10 p.m. EDT<\/p>\n BOTTOM LINE: Golden State Valkyries visits the Phoenix Mercury after Veronica Burton<\/a> scored 24 points in the Valkyries’ 98-91 loss to the Phoenix Mercury.<\/p>\n The Mercury are 11-9 in Western Conference games. Phoenix is fifth in the WNBA<\/a> with 34.9 rebounds led by Alyssa Thomas<\/a> averaging 8.7.<\/p>\n The Valkyries’ record in Western Conference play is 7-11. Golden State ranks third in the WNBA with 26.3 defensive rebounds per game led by Kayla Thornton<\/a> averaging 5.2.<\/p>\n Phoenix scores 83.0 points, 5.6 more per game than the 77.4 Golden State allows. Golden State averages 78.2 points per game, 2.0 fewer than the 80.2 Phoenix allows.<\/p>\n The teams meet for the fourth time this season. The Mercury won 98-91 in the last matchup on Aug. 20. Kahleah Copper<\/a> led the Mercury with 25 points, and Burton led the Valkyries with 24 points.<\/p>\n TOP PERFORMERS: Thomas is averaging 16.1 points, 8.7 rebounds, 8.9 assists and 1.6 steals for the Mercury. Copper is averaging 16.4 points over the last 10 games.<\/p>\n Burton is averaging 11.7 points and 5.4 assists for the Valkyries. Iliana Rupert<\/a> is averaging 7.8 points over the last 10 games.<\/p>\n LAST 10 GAMES: Mercury: 5-5, averaging 82.6 points, 36.7 rebounds, 19.3 assists, 6.1 steals and 3.1 blocks per game while shooting 43.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 81.1 points per game.<\/p>\n Valkyries: 6-4, averaging 76.8 points, 32.6 rebounds, 18.3 assists, 6.6 steals and 1.9 blocks per game while shooting 40.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 74.7 points.<\/p>\n INJURIES: Mercury: None listed.<\/p>\n