SAN FRANCISCO (Interstat) — Veronica Burton scored 19 of her 25 points in the first half as Golden State quickly built a big lead and also dished out eight assists, Gabby Williams added 25 points, and the Valkyries held off the Phoenix Mercury for an 87-81 win Tuesday night. Burton made 5 of her 7 shots in the initial two quarters and finished 7 for 15 from the floor. Janelle Salaun contributed 11 points and five rebounds off the bench for the Valkyries, who shot 57.1% on the way to a 49-32 lead at intermission and 44.3% for the game. Williams’ 3-pointer with 5:58 to play put the Valkyries ahead 74-67, then she found Kaila Charles for a key layup with 2:26 left. Kayla Thornton’s 3 the next time down helped seal it before Williams converted a three-point play moments later. Alyssa Thomas nearly had a triple-double for Phoenix with 22 points, eight rebounds and nine assists. The announced attendance was 18,064 at Chase Center.