Heartbreaking Loss! Copper Scores, Griner & Taurasi Efforts in Vain as Mercury Fall to Aces in Comeback

On June 14, in a WNBA regular season match, the Phoenix Mercury lost at home to the Las Vegas Aces with a score of 97-103, ending their bid for a third consecutive win and squandering their chance to advance to the Commissioner’s Cup Final. In the game, the Mercury started hot, with Taurasi leading the team to a 9-2 lead and a 16-point advantage in the first quarter. However, their weak perimeter defense in the second quarter allowed the Aces to score an impressive 42 points. Despite a tenacious effort throughout the rest of the game, the Mercury couldn’t regain their lead. In a tightly contested battle, the Aces took control in the decisive moments of the fourth quarter, securing the win. The Mercury’s two-game winning streak came to an end. In the previous match, Copper, Griner, and Taurasi each scored over 20 points, with Copper scoring a remarkable 29 points to help the Mercury secure a victory on the road against the Wings. However, Copper struggled in this contest, shooting 1 for 6 in the first half and 0 for 3 from beyond the arc, contributing only 5 points. In total, she played 30 minutes and 17 seconds, converting 6 of 16 field goals, 1 of 6 three-pointers, and 5 of 5 free throws, finishing with 18 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, 2 turnovers, and 6 fouls, resulting in a minus-11 plus-minus rating. Griner, starting and playing 32 minutes and 18 seconds, shot 10 of 17 and made 5 of 7 free throws, scoring a team-high 25 points along with 9 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 blocks, but also had 2 turnovers and 2 fouls, earning a minus-6 plus-minus rating. Taurasi played 31 minutes and 38 seconds, making 8 of 14 shots, 3 of 7 from three-point range, and all 3 free throws, contributing 22 points, 1 rebound, 4 assists, but also committing 4 turnovers and 6 fouls, with a minus-7 plus-minus rating. Had Copper maintained her exceptional form, the Mercury might have held off the Aces’ comeback. Unfortunately, while Copper has shown strong scoring ability this season, her performance lacks consistency, particularly in crucial moments when more is needed from her.