Latest news with #KahleahCopper
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Brittney Griner's former Mercury teammates react to Phoenix return
The post Brittney Griner's former Mercury teammates react to Phoenix return appeared first on ClutchPoints. Hours before the Phoenix Mercury take on the Atlanta Dream could be filled with pure emotion from Brittney Griner. The former Phoenix center has spent this season not wearing the purple and orange threads. Rather, she's been in the ATL, that is, with the Dream. During the offseason, Griner left the Mercury and signed with the Dream in free agency. It shocked many, including long-time fans, who thought she would be with the team forever. However, as former teammates DeWanna Bonner and Kahleah Copper prepare for Wednesday's game, along with head coach Nate Tibbetts, something feels different. Starting with Bonner, she played with Griner for six seasons. Together, the Mercury convincingly won the 2014 WNBA championship. After Wednesday's shootaround, the forward revealed her thoughts on what a Griner homecoming will be like. 'I mean, you can't mention Phoenix without mentioning BG. What she's done. She won championships here. She grew up here. Literally, got drafted here and just became a great person to this community. I'm sure Phoenix is excited to get her back and just to see her and everything she has going on,' Bonner said. 'She had a shoe drive going on this afternoon, so bring your shoes, donate to the BG shoe drive. We're excited to get her back here in Phoenix. We're excited to see her. The fans want to see her on the court, and I'm sure that it'll probably be emotional for her, but we're excited to love on her a little bit.' Brittney Griner has support from the Mercury Much like Bonner, Copper expressed something similar. Although the guard and center only played together for one season, they were insane competitors. Both squared off in the 2021 WNBA Finals, which many believe, was the peak of Griner's prime as a basketball player. Once Copper came to Phoenix in 2024, she felt the gravitational pull that the current Atlanta center has on the city. She feels that pull will be even stronger, Wednesday night. 'It's going to be amazing. I think what BG has done for this organization since she came in here as a rookie will be amazing,' Copper said via Desert Wave Media Co on Tuesday. 'I think this organization has done a great job of the rollout thus far for her coming back. I'm excited for the X Factor to go out there and give her that standing ovation she deserves.' Lastly, the second-year head coach in Tibbetts saw the love Griner has for the city. He also saw the city reciprocate that love in a multitude of ways. Even with somewhat of an abrupt exit, the Phoenix coach wants nothing but love from his home crowd. 'The hope is that the X Factor gives her a ton of love. What she did here and what she's meant to this organization and city is gonna be hard to match ever, right?' Tibbetts said on Monday. 'She's one of one and the hope is that X Factor gives her a ton of love. It's well-deserved. BG is a special person. We'll always be excited to see her.' Related: Mercury's Alyssa Thomas 'prepared' for potential lockout heading into CBA talks
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Angel Reese Hit With Unexpected Request From Former Chicago Sky Star
Angel Reese Hit With Unexpected Request From Former Chicago Sky Star originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Chicago Sky defeated the Dallas Wings on Wednesday evening by a score of 87 to 76. The win gave them a 6-13 record during the 2025 WNBA season and moved them up to 10th place in the league standings. Advertisement 10-year veteran wing Rebecca Allen poured in a game-high 27 points for the Sky in the win. Two-time All-Star forward Angel Reese contributed 15 points and 11 rebounds for Chicago as well. This week has been monumental for Reese, as she was named to her second WNBA All-Star team, Reebok announced an update for her signature shoes, and EA Sports made her the WNBA cover athlete for 2K26. Reese posted on Instagram Thursday morning to commemorate these accomplishments. Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5).Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper, who played with Reese for Rose Basketball Club in the Unrivaled League and won a championship with the Sky in 2021, commented on Reese's post. Advertisement The former Sky star is signed with Adidas, but she still made an unexpected request of Reese regarding her new signature shoes from Reebok. "have my signed pair next time I see you. Thanks," Copper wrote. Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper sent a message to Chicago Sky forward Angel / Instagram Copper has only played in six games this season for the Mercury due to a knee injury, but she has averaged 16.7 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.8 assists per contest. Reese has played in all 19 games for the Sky, averaging 13.3 points, 12.8 rebounds and 3.8 assists per night. She also has 13 double-doubles this season, including seven straight after Wednesday's performance. The Sky play again on Saturday afternoon, as they take on the 17-3 Minnesota Lynx at Wintrust Arena in Chicago. Tipoff is set for 1:00 p.m. ET. Advertisement Related: Chicago Sky Make Kamilla Cardoso Decision After Return From Leave Related: Angel Reese Reacts to Message From Wings Star Before Chicago Sky Game This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 10, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Why Mercury's Alyssa Thomas deserves to be an All-Star starter with Satou Sabally
The post Why Mercury's Alyssa Thomas deserves to be an All-Star starter with Satou Sabally appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Phoenix Mercury received some mixed news about the upcoming 2025 All-Star Game. While Satou Sabally will be a starter for the Western Conference, fellow forward Alyssa Thomas was snubbed from the list. Advertisement Despite averaging a league-leading 9.3 assists and having a 10-2 record with her on the floor, it wasn't enough. Although the voting was broken down by fans, media, and players, some of the results don't make sense. Thomas received the 13th fan rank, the 7th media rank, and the 6th player rank. The players and media seem to respect her prowess, but the other selections are questionable. The numbers speak for themselves. As mentioned earlier, a 10-2 record is beyond impressive with her on the floor. Not to mention, this is her 12th season in the league. She's posting career highs in points and assists per game. The Mercury made a massive trade for Thomas, knowing who they would receive. Once they surrounded her with elite shooters, that was all it took. Advertisement Throughout the season, a multitude of players and coaches have raved about her tenacity, leadership, and being an example of what greatness looks like. Phoenix has been one of the more complete teams in the league. Not all of the credit falls on Thomas. Majority is on Sabally, Kahleah Copper, the rest of the team, along with the coaching staff. Regardless of the nomination, it won't matter to 'the engine.' She'll have her eyes on the prize of filling the gap in her lengthy resume with a hopeful WNBA championship. Who went ahead of Mercury's Alyssa Thomas for All-Star game? © Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Starters like Napheesa Collier and A'ja Wilson were guarantees, some other names raise question. Aliyah Boston has had a quality year, but nothing mesmerizing. Her efficiency has taken a jump from the first two seasons, but that's about it. Advertisement Boston's 15.8 points compared to Thomas's 14.9 is shocking, considering the latter isn't known for being much of a scorer. Still, the Mercury star is defending multiple positions at a high level, often picking up the opposing team's best offensive player. However, 2025 seems to be the year of the front court players. Six of the 10 All-Star starters were all forwards, with Nneka Ogwumike and Breanna Stewart being the other starters at that respective position. Still, there are more numbers to support Thomas becoming an All-Star starter. For instance, she was one of two players to average a double-double in June, averaging 14.4 points and 10.3 assists. Also, Thomas made Mercury history yet again by posting her second 15-assist game of the season against the New York Liberty. Advertisement Collier, Wilson, Boston, Ogwumike, Sabally, and Stewart are an elite crew, but not including Thomas in there is asinine. There is no MVP conversation without Alyssa Thomas being a starter © Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Logically speaking, is it fair for someone in the MVP conversation to not be named an All-Star starter? It's a bit of a rhetorical question, but even a non-basketball fan would say that it's illogical. That's just what happened on Monday. Fans everywhere exploded about Boston being named a starter over Thomas. This isn't to knock her down, but the latter's impact has been more profound and evident. To put the cherry on top, the Mercury have a better record than the Indiana Fever. Mind you, Caitlin Clark has been injured, and the team dealt with an abrupt DeWanna Bonner departure. Advertisement Regardless of that, Thomas has a +17.3 rating when she's on versus off the court. That's an advanced, analytical nerdy response but impact transcends numbers. Her game isn't flashy, but it produces wins. The second-best team in the WNBA should have two starters representing, not just one. Related: Mercury's Nate Tibbetts reveals silver lining following Aces loss Related: How selfless play led to Mercury's 6-game win streak
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Mercury's final Satou Sabally, Kahleah Copper injury updates for Wings game
The post Mercury's final Satou Sabally, Kahleah Copper injury updates for Wings game appeared first on ClutchPoints. As soon as the Phoenix Mercury's Big 3 returned, the team dealt with a devastating blow ahead of Monday's game against the Dallas Wings. Both Satou Sabally and Kahleah Copper are ruled out with right ankle and right hamstring injuries, respectively. Advertisement For Sabally, she was spotted during Sunday's practice with a walking boot on her right leg. Although head coach Nate Tibbetts said her status is 'day-to-day', it's quite murky, considering she wore a boot. Meanwhile, Copper's injury comes as more of a surprise. She showed no signs of a dampening injury. Still, the team had three days of rest before Monday's upcoming game. Throughout the season, the All-WNBA second-team guard was battling an arthroscopic knee surgery. She missed the first month of the season before making her return against the Las Vegas Aces in early June. Luckily for Phoenix, this might be more of a precaution than anything. Sabally is set to be an All-Star starter for the Mercury, and Copper is consistently making progress from her surgery at the beginning of the season. Advertisement Mercury need others to step up with Satou Sabally, Kahleah Copper out © Michael Chow/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images The Mercury have no shortage of players stepping up when it counts. Despite a roster of four rookies, they've all shone brightly on the big stage. Furthermore, the team still has Alyssa Thomas on the floor as 'the engine.' Surrounding her with shooters has been a massive success. She has a 10-3 record when she's played. However, all of those games have been with Sabally, and a handful have been with Copper. Still, Dallas have some injuries of their own. For instance, both Arike Ogunbowale and DiJonai Carrington didn't travel with Wings, according to Dallas ClutchPoints reporter Joey Mistretta. Advertisement The last time these teams squared off, the Wings had four rookies and sucker-punched the Mercury the entire game. It was the first example all season where Phoenix was defeated from the jump. Either way, multiple players on both squads will rise to the occasion. The Mercury will look to snap a two-game skid on Monday, on the back of Thomas and the supporting cast. Simulatenously, Dallas will hope to build more momentum, courtesy of Paige Bueckers and its rookie cast. Related: Mercury's Alyssa Thomas cites 'disrespect' behind All-Star reserve nod Related: Satou Sabally gets important injury update for Wings rematch
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Mercury expected to sign 6-time All-Star DeWanna Bonner: Source
The Phoenix Mercury are expected to sign free-agent wing DeWanna Bonner, a league source confirmed to . Bonner, a six-time All-Star, signed with the Indiana Fever this past offseason, but the team waived her on June 25 after nine games. Bonner said in a statement that she requested to 'move on' from the Fever, and Indiana looked at trading the veteran wing before waiving her. Advertisement The 37-year-old veteran did not play more than 27 minutes in a game this year and took four shots or fewer in five of her nine appearances for Indiana. Before joining the Fever, she made the All-Star team in three of her five seasons with the Connecticut Sun, including 2023 and 2024. In signing with Phoenix, Bonner is returning to the team that drafted her. The Mercury selected her with the No. 5 pick in the 2009 WNBA Draft, and she spent the first decade of her career with the franchise, winning two WNBA championships. This year's Mercury team, however, looks vastly different from those she starred on in the 2010s. The trio of Kahleah Copper, Satou Sabally and Alyssa Thomas currently leads Phoenix. Sabally and Thomas made the All-Star team this season, while Copper has played in just six games due to injury. Thomas is Bonner's fiancée, and the two will reunite after playing with the Sun together for the last five seasons. Phoenix traded for Thomas this past offseason, while Bonner, despite the Mercury's intense recruiting efforts, decided to sign with Indiana this winter. Advertisement The Mercury enter Monday night's game against the Dallas Wings tied for second in the league standings, alongside the reigning champion New York Liberty. This article originally appeared in The Athletic. Indiana Fever, Phoenix Mercury, WNBA 2025 The Athletic Media Company
