Kahleah Copper Shines Bright in Hard-Fought Battle Against Las Vegas

Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper put on a scoring clinic Thursday night, erupting for 30 points in a valiant but ultimately unsuccessful effort against the Las Vegas Aces. The Mercury fell 105-95 in a high-octane thriller, but Copper's performance was a major bright spot, showcasing her status as one of the league's most dynamic and unstoppable scorers. From the opening minutes, Copper was in attack mode, relentlessly driving to the basket, pulling up for mid-range jumpers, and connecting from beyond the arc. She single-handedly kept the Mercury in the game for long stretches, answering every run the Aces made with a scoring burst of her own. Her brilliant offensive display underscored her importance to the Mercury and her reputation as a player who thrives in big moments.

Copper, who currently plays for the Phoenix Mercury, has been the team's offensive engine all season. Her ability to create her own shot and score in bunches has made her the focal point of the Mercury's game plan. Against a tough defensive team like the Aces, her 30-point outing was even more impressive. This performance is part of a trend for Copper, who has consistently delivered high-scoring games throughout the 2025 season, firmly establishing herself in the league's MVP conversation. Despite the loss, her leadership and competitive fire were on full display.

The Phoenix Mercury's roster, built around the offensive talents of Copper and the all-around brilliance of Alyssa Thomas and DeWanna Bonner, showed its potential in the matchup. The team's offense was potent, with Thomas recording a spectacular triple-double. However, the Mercury's overall team stats show a squad that has struggled with defensive consistency, which was evident in the final quarter as the Aces pulled away. Phoenix's last game result, a loss, drops them to a 19-19 record, placing them in a precarious position in the playoff standings. They will need more heroic performances from Copper, coupled with a stronger team-wide defensive effort, to make a deep run in the postseason.