Valkyries’ Depth Shines as Salaün, Amihere Spark Win Over Mercury

The Golden State Valkyries delivered a convincing performance in their home opener, defeating the Phoenix Mercury 95–79 in a game defined by depth, defensive energy, and standout contributions off the bench. After a slow offensive start, Golden State quickly regained control and never looked back.

A major storyline was the emergence of forward Janelle Salaün, who provided a scoring spark that shifted momentum early and sustained it throughout the night. Her efficiency and shooting accuracy proved critical as the Valkyries recovered from an early cold stretch.

Equally impactful was forward Laeticia Amihere, whose all-around production on both ends of the floor gave Golden State a significant boost in energy, rebounding, and interior defense.

Head coach Natalie Nakase emphasized the importance of versatility and effort across the roster, particularly from players who entered the game off the bench and immediately changed its trajectory.

1. Bench Duo Changes the Game

Salaün and Amihere entered the game after Golden State struggled early offensively, opening just 1-of-9 from the field. Their arrival immediately shifted the pace and efficiency of the offense. Salaün finished with a game-high 21 points, going a perfect 4-of-4 from three-point range while shooting 70 percent overall. Her scoring provided the spacing and rhythm the Valkyries lacked in the opening minutes. Amihere contributed across the board with 13 points, six rebounds, and three blocks, while posting a game-high +33 plus-minus. Her activity on the glass created second-chance opportunities that extended possessions. Together, the pair stabilized the offense and turned a sluggish start into a dominant first-half performance.

2. Coaching Trust and Lineup Flexibility

Following the game, Nakase highlighted the importance of adaptability within her rotation, noting that both players were capable of impacting games regardless of starting status. She credited Salaün and Amihere for their willingness to embrace bench roles and still deliver maximum effort in limited or changing minutes. Their energy, she said, reflects the identity of the team. When asked about potential lineup changes moving forward, Nakase avoided committing to a fixed decision, emphasizing that matchups would determine rotations rather than labels like “starter” or “reserve.” Her approach underscores a broader philosophy focused on finishing games strong rather than prioritizing starting assignments.

3. Balanced Attack and Defensive Identity

Beyond the bench impact, the Valkyries received strong contributions across the roster. Guard Veronica Burton recorded a double-double with 13 points and 12 assists while committing no turnovers, providing steady control of the offense. Forward Kayla Thornton added 19 points in her return from injury, offering scoring stability and physical presence in her first full outing of the season. Free agent acquisition Gabby Williams also played a central role, finishing with 19 points, five rebounds, and four steals while anchoring the team’s defensive pressure. Her versatility and disruptive defense helped Golden State create transition opportunities, reinforcing the team’s identity as a defense-to-offense unit built around athletic wings and aggressive pressure.