Kahleah Copper made a significant impact in her return to Chicago by scoring 29 points, while Brittney Griner contributed 23 points, nine rebounds, six assists, and five blocks, leading the Phoenix Mercury to an 85-65 victory over the short-handed Sky on Thursday night. Copper’s strong performance came in her first game against Chicago since being traded in February. She was a key player for the Sky, winning the 2021 Finals MVP title and averaging impressive stats during her seven seasons with the team.

In the first quarter, Copper scored 13 points on 5 of 8 shooting, helping the Mercury establish a commanding 30-12 lead. By halftime, Copper had accumulated 18 points, while Griner added 12, extending Phoenix’s lead to 50-28. The Mercury maintained a double-digit lead throughout the second half, with Chicago struggling to narrow the gap.

Other notable contributions came from Diana Taurasi, who added 11 points for Phoenix, and both Taurasi and Copper made three of the team’s 12 3-pointers. Griner made history by becoming the first player in franchise history to achieve at least 20 points, five rebounds, five assists, and five blocks in a single game.

Chicago, without their leading scorer Chennedy Carter due to illness, also played their first game without guard Marina Mabrey, who was traded before the Olympic break. Dana Evans led Chicago off the bench with 14 points, while Angel Reese contributed 11 points and 15 rebounds, and Kamilla Cardoso added 10 points. Rachel Banham, in her debut start for Chicago, scored seven points, and Moriah Jefferson also made her first appearance for the team.

Angel Reese set a new Sky record for most offensive rebounds in a single season with eight offensive rebounds in the game, surpassing Sylvia Fowles’ previous record.