Phoenix hosts Golden State after Burton’s 24-point game

Golden State Valkyries (18-17, 7-11 Western Conference) at Phoenix Mercury (21-14, 11-9 Western Conference)

Phoenix; Friday, 10 p.m. EDT

BOTTOM LINE: Golden State Valkyries goes to the Phoenix Mercury after Veronica Burton scored 24 points in the Valkyries’ 98-91 loss to the Phoenix Mercury.Advertisement The Mercury are 11-9 in Western Conference games. Phoenix is fifth in the WNBA with 34.9 rebounds led by Alyssa Thomas balancing 8.7. 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 averaging 5.2. Phoenix scores 83.0 points, 5.6 more per game than the 77.4 Golden State permits. Golden State averages 78.2 points per game, 2.0 less than the 80.2 Phoenix allows.The groups fulfill for the fourth time this season. The Mercury won 98-91 in the last matchup on Aug. 20. Kahleah Copper led the Mercury with 25 points, and Burton led the Valkyries with 24 points.Advertisement TOP ENTERTAINERS: Thomas is averaging 16.1 points, 8.7 rebounds, 8.9 assists and 1.6 steals for the Mercury.

Copper is balancing

16.4 points over the last 10 games.Burton is balancing 11.7 points and 5.4 assists for the Valkyries. Iliana Rupert is averaging 7.8 points over the last 10 games.LAST 10 VIDEO GAMES: Mercury: 5-5, averaging 82.6 points, 36.7 rebounds, 19.3 helps, 6.1 takes and 3.1 blocks per game while shooting 43.1%from the field.

Their opponents have actually balanced 81.1 points per game.Valkyries: 6-4, balancing 76.8 points, 32.6 rebounds, 18.3 helps, 6.6 steals and 1.9 blocks per game while shooting 40.8 %from the field. Their challengers have actually

averaged 74.7 points.Advertisement INJURIES: Mercury: None listed.Valkyries: Kayla Thornton: out for season(knee), Monique Billings: out (ankle ). ___ The Associated Press produced this story utilizing innovation supplied by Data Skrive and information from Sportradar.