Copper's 31 points lift Mercury past Wings 87-86
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The short version
- Phoenix beat Dallas 87-86 on a game-winning layup by Kahleah Copper, who scored 31 points.
- The Mercury are eliminated from playoff contention but are aiming to finish the season strong.
- Alyssa Thomas highlighted the development of the team's first-year players.
- Phoenix's season finale comes against Las Vegas, which has secured the No. 3 playoff seed.
Kahleah Copper scored 31 points and hit the game-winning layup as Phoenix edged Dallas despite already being eliminated from playoff contention.
Kahleah Copper scored 31 points and delivered the game-winning layup as the Phoenix Mercury defeated the Dallas Wings 87-86 on Monday night.
The Mercury have been out of the playoff race for some time, but players and coaches have emphasized closing the season on a strong note. Copper noted that Dallas is a playoff-caliber team with a solid defense, and beating that level of opponent gave Phoenix confidence.
Alyssa Thomas, speaking after the game, pointed to the team's many newcomers and first-year players, saying their rookie seasons are worth valuing despite a difficult year overall.
The team has also been building toward 2027 by developing its on-court chemistry around Copper and Thomas, integrating Kelsey Plum, and giving young players Shay Ciezki, Kara Dunn, and Marta Suarez meaningful minutes.
Phoenix closes its season against a Las Vegas Aces team that has already locked up the No. 3 seed in the playoffs.
Written by the Matchday Live desk from reporting by Yahoo Sports.
Read the original report at Yahoo Sports ↗