Copper shines, Mercury fall to Mystics 80-73

Kahleah Copper came within two points of matching her career high, but the Phoenix Mercury could not hold on to a fourth-quarter lead Thursday night, falling 80-73 to the Washington Mystics.

Copper led all scorers with 35 points, carrying the Mercury offensively throughout the night. She scored Phoenix’s first 12 points and finished the first half with 22, accounting for more than half of the team’s 37 points.

The loss came two nights after the Mercury fell to Washington 94-84 in Kelsey Plum’s home debut.

Plum did not play Thursday as she continued to rehab a left lower-leg injury. She was on the sideline with the team during the game. Marta Suárez also remained out while in concussion protocol.

Phoenix opened the game with energy, jumping out to an early 10-0 lead behind Copper. The Mystics responded with a 15-5 run to tie the game at 15 before taking a 20-18 lead at the end of the first quarter.

The physicality continued into the second quarter as both teams battled for position. Washington capitalized on Mercury turnovers and missed opportunities, taking a 34-27 lead midway through the period.

Copper continued to answer, keeping Phoenix within striking distance. The Mercury entered halftime trailing 40-37.

Phoenix came out aggressively in the third quarter and regained the lead after Lexi Held knocked down a 3-pointer. A foul on Held was upgraded to a flagrant 1 following a review, allowing her to shoot a free throw.

The Mercury built a 54-51 advantage and carried a 57-53 lead into the fourth quarter.

Phoenix appeared to take control early in the final period, building a 10-point advantage. Washington, however, adjusted and steadily chipped away at the lead.

The Mystics cut the deficit to 63-61 before tying the game midway through the quarter and eventually reclaiming the lead.

Copper injured her left ankle late in the fourth quarter and briefly went down on the court. She returned to play but appeared to be moving gingerly and limping through the final minutes.

Despite Copper’s 35 points, Phoenix struggled to generate enough offense down the stretch as Washington pulled away for the seven-point victory.

The Mercury fell to 13-25 with two games remaining in the regular season.

Next game

Phoenix Mercury face the Toronto Tempo on Saturday, August 29 at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix. Tipoff is scheduled for 7p.m. Phoenix time. ♦︎