---
title: "Burton’s 25 & 8 lifts Valkyries past Mercury 87-81"
description: "Veronica Burton and Gabby Williams each drop 25 points as Golden State holds off Phoenix."
url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/veronica-burton-scores-25-points-dishes-out-8-assists-as-va-532a0c46
published: 2026-06-10T16:42:31.868+00:00
updated: 2026-06-10T16:42:31.868+00:00
author: "Kostadin Stamboliev"
publisher: "Pineido"
site: "Sportopod"
language: en
topics: ["basketball"]
---

# Burton’s 25 & 8 lifts Valkyries past Mercury 87-81

> Veronica Burton and Gabby Williams each drop 25 points as Golden State holds off Phoenix.

Veronica Burton poured in 25 points — 19 in the first half — and added 8 assists, while Gabby Williams also scored 25 as the Golden State Valkyries held off the Phoenix Mercury 87-81 on Tuesday night.

Burton dominated early, hitting three 3-pointers and repeatedly finding cutters to build a double‑digit lead.

Williams matched her partner shot for shot in the second half, keeping Phoenix at arm’s length.

The Valkyries’ defense tightened in crunch time, forcing three turnovers in the final two minutes to seal the win.

The victory keeps Golden State firmly in the playoff hunt, while the Mercury drop a critical game in the tightly packed Western Conference standings.

The win also highlighted the growing chemistry between Burton and Williams, whose complementary styles—Burton’s playmaking and Williams’ perimeter shooting—have become a nightmare for opposing defenses.

Their synchronized offense forced Phoenix into a defensive mess, allowing Golden State to capitalize on fast‑break opportunities.

Coaching adjustments played a role, too.

Head coach Dan Hughes shifted to a 2‑3 zone in the fourth quarter, stifling Mercury’s inside game and creating easy transition baskets for the Valkyries.

What’s next: The Valkyries travel to face the Las Vegas Aces on Thursday; Phoenix hosts the Seattle Storm on Friday.

## Why this matters

Veronica Burton’s two‑way performance — 25 points, 8 assists, plus relentless on‑ball pressure — showed why she’s the engine of Golden State’s playoff push. The Valkyries needed every bit of that production and Gabby Williams’ 25‑point night to fend off a Mercury team that refuses to fade. For a franchise trying to establish itself, winning tight games like this builds the kind of defensive identity that travels in the postseason.

## Frequently asked

### How many points did Veronica Burton score against the Mercury?

Burton scored 25 points, with 19 coming in the first half. She also dished out 8 assists.

### Who else led the Valkyries in scoring?

Gabby Williams also scored 25 points, matching Burton's total and providing a second scoring punch.

### What was the final score?

The Golden State Valkyries defeated the Phoenix Mercury 87-81.

### Why is this win significant for the Valkyries?

It keeps Golden State’s playoff hopes alive by beating a direct conference competitor in a tight race.

### What key factor decided the game?

Golden State’s early surge and late‑game defensive stops, including three forced turnovers in the last two minutes, sealed the win.

## Sources & Citations

- [Veronica Burton scores 25 points, dishes out 8 assists as Valkyries hold off Mercury for 87-81 win](http://www.espn.com/wnba/recap?gameId=401856977) — ESPN (2026-06-10)

---

Cite: Burton’s 25 & 8 lifts Valkyries past Mercury 87-81. Sportopod, 2026-06-10. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/veronica-burton-scores-25-points-dishes-out-8-assists-as-va-532a0c46