Latest news with #AlyssaThomas
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Returning Kahleah Copper is Mercury's final piece of ‘death lineup'
The post Returning Kahleah Copper is Mercury's final piece of 'death lineup' appeared first on ClutchPoints. From the moment Alyssa Thomas and Satou Sabally joined the Phoenix Mercury, Kahleah Copper was in elite company. Together, the three of them create a death lineup that could take the league by storm. Advertisement However, Sunday's game against the Las Vegas Aces marked the first time all three players played together this season. After all, Copper missed the beginning of the Mercury's season after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery. Not to mention, Thomas missed five games with a left calf issue. As a result, Sabally has been the most consistent presence on the court of the three, even with her checkered injury history. In Las Vegas, though, the three stepped on the court together for the first time. Even with Copper only playing 19 minutes, she posted 11 points and showed that her injury worries were a thing of the past. Advertisement Meanwhile, Thomas posted another double-double and had 13 assists. To make things sweeter, Sabally had another 20+ point performance in Sin City. An 8-4 record is impressive, and the team is 1-0 with Copper playing alongside her two new superstar teammates. It's a one-game sample size, but there is reason to be excited for Phoenix's future. The so-called 'death lineup' highlights versatility, elite scoring, playmaking, and a concerted effort on the defensive side of the ball. Still, more pieces to the puzzle go beyond what statistics say. Kahleah Copper is the Mercury's leader of the death lineup © Candice Ward-Imagn Images Although Phoenix has Thomas and Sabally leading in their unique ways, the former Rutgers star is different. During the Mercury's training camp, Copper's leadership was her key area for improvement. Advertisement During her time playing in Unrivaled over the offseason, there were moments of her taking control in a huddle, after a play, or simply navigating which players needed to be talked to differently. Even center Natasha Mack praised Copper's leadership ability and credited her patience in growing with her and other players on the team. Head coach Nate Tibbetts has consistently given her flowers for rallying everyone together. Even though she was sidelined to start the season, she attended every one of Phoenix's games. In huddles, she was hyping up Thomas, Sabally, and the rest of her team. The culture starts with Copper, as she and Tibbetts have a clear understanding of where the team can go. Advertisement The championship expectations within the Mercury organization are as old as the day. The franchise itself has three titles. Still, Copper has one, and the other two stars are searching for their first. An aligned pursuit of the best prize in the WNBA is at the forefront of everyone's mind, and having Copper as the clear leader throughout the journey will be a major boost. Kahleah Copper can be the Mercury's top scorer © Kirby Lee-Imagn Images While Sabally is leading the team in scoring, Copper's ability is otherworldly. She's consistent when it comes to attacking the basket and getting downhill with authority. She and Thomas will have a field day in transition. That, combined with Sabally's inside-out game, makes a true three-headed monster that's hotter than the Phoenix heat. Advertisement The Mercury's +2.2 net rating so far this season is impressive, especially when considering the number of injuries the team has had. No matter who has been on the court, the team's defense has been outstanding, only allowing 77.6 points per game. And while there has been a lack of offensive firepower at times, bringing back one of the top scorers in the WNBA will put a stamp on that side of the ball. Having a playmaker in Thomas and a dual threat in Sabally should help create wide-open lanes for Copper to get plenty of looks at the basket and free-throw attempts if she gets fouled. Her fluidity in the schematics might be a work in progress as she advances in game speed. Once that comes, the league might have to start worrying about what's brewing in the Valley of the Sun.
Associated Press
7 hours ago
- Sport
- Associated Press
Phoenix visits Chicago following Akoa Makani's 21-point game
Phoenix Mercury (10-4, 6-4 Western Conference) at Chicago Sky (3-8, 1-6 Eastern Conference) Chicago; Saturday, 1 p.m. EDT BOTTOM LINE: Phoenix Mercury visits the Chicago Sky after Monique Akoa Makani scored 21 points in the Mercury's 89-81 victory over the New York Liberty. The Sky have gone 1-3 in home games. Chicago is fifth in the Eastern Conference at limiting opponent scoring, allowing 86.3 points while holding opponents to 46.0% shooting. The Mercury are 4-2 in road games. Phoenix ranks eighth in the WNBA with 33.8 rebounds per game. Satou Sabally paces the Mercury with 8.5. Chicago's average of 6.4 made 3-pointers per game is 1.4 fewer made shots on average than the 7.8 per game Phoenix allows. Phoenix averages 80.5 points per game, 5.8 fewer points than the 86.3 Chicago allows to opponents. The teams meet for the second time this season. The Mercury won 94-89 in the last matchup on May 28. Sabally led the Mercury with 20 points, and Ariel Atkins led the Sky with 21 points. TOP PERFORMERS: Atkins is averaging 12.6 points, 3.5 assists and 1.8 steals for the Sky. Kamilla Cardoso is averaging 11.5 points and 7.1 rebounds over the past 10 games. Alyssa Thomas is averaging 14.8 points, 7.7 rebounds, nine assists and 1.8 steals for the Mercury. Sabally is averaging 19.5 points over the last 10 games. LAST 10 GAMES: Sky: 3-7, averaging 77.0 points, 35.7 rebounds, 19.6 assists, 7.5 steals and 3.5 blocks per game while shooting 42.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 85.6 points per game. Mercury: 7-3, averaging 81.9 points, 34.2 rebounds, 20.3 assists, 8.5 steals and 4.0 blocks per game while shooting 42.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 80.3 points. INJURIES: Sky: Moriah Jefferson: out (leg), Courtney Vandersloot: out for season (acl). Mercury: Megan McConnell: out (knee). ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Phoenix visits Chicago following Akoa Makani's 21-point game
Phoenix Mercury (10-4, 6-4 Western Conference) at Chicago Sky (3-8, 1-6 Eastern Conference) Chicago; Saturday, 1 p.m. EDT BOTTOM LINE: Phoenix Mercury visits the Chicago Sky after Monique Akoa Makani scored 21 points in the Mercury's 89-81 victory over the New York Liberty. Advertisement The Sky have gone 1-3 in home games. Chicago is fifth in the Eastern Conference at limiting opponent scoring, allowing 86.3 points while holding opponents to 46.0% shooting. The Mercury are 4-2 in road games. Phoenix ranks eighth in the WNBA with 33.8 rebounds per game. Satou Sabally paces the Mercury with 8.5. Chicago's average of 6.4 made 3-pointers per game is 1.4 fewer made shots on average than the 7.8 per game Phoenix allows. Phoenix averages 80.5 points per game, 5.8 fewer points than the 86.3 Chicago allows to opponents. The teams meet for the second time this season. The Mercury won 94-89 in the last matchup on May 28. Sabally led the Mercury with 20 points, and Ariel Atkins led the Sky with 21 points. Advertisement TOP PERFORMERS: Atkins is averaging 12.6 points, 3.5 assists and 1.8 steals for the Sky. Kamilla Cardoso is averaging 11.5 points and 7.1 rebounds over the past 10 games. Alyssa Thomas is averaging 14.8 points, 7.7 rebounds, nine assists and 1.8 steals for the Mercury. Sabally is averaging 19.5 points over the last 10 games. LAST 10 GAMES: Sky: 3-7, averaging 77.0 points, 35.7 rebounds, 19.6 assists, 7.5 steals and 3.5 blocks per game while shooting 42.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 85.6 points per game. Mercury: 7-3, averaging 81.9 points, 34.2 rebounds, 20.3 assists, 8.5 steals and 4.0 blocks per game while shooting 42.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 80.3 points. Advertisement INJURIES: Sky: Moriah Jefferson: out (leg), Courtney Vandersloot: out for season (acl). Mercury: Megan McConnell: out (knee). ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Mercury Campaigns WNBA Star's Case For the MVP Award
Mercury Campaigns WNBA Star's Case For the MVP Award originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Phoenix Mercury star Alyssa Thomas has accomplished a lot in the WNBA. However, two accolades are still missing in her resume: a championship and an MVP award. This season, Thomas is playing for a new team and has a chance of winning both in her first year. Advertisement The Mercury are in a good position with a 10-4 record. The team's performance has been a surprise, especially since Diana Taurasi retired and Brittney Griner was traded. Phoenix has a new star trio with Thomas, Kahleah Copper and Satou Sabally. Given that Thomas has the most experience, she has set a standard that the entire team has followed. Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas shoots a free throw against the New York Jones-Imagn Images On Thursday, Thomas played an important role in Mercury's 89-81 victory over the New York Liberty. Against the defending champions, she kept her double-double streak alive. The former Connecticut Sun forward had 18 points and 15 rebounds and seven assists in the box score. Advertisement After recording her fifth-straight double-double, the Mercury campaigned for Thomas to be in the MVP conversations. "FIFTH CONSECUTIVE DOUBLE-DOUBLE FOR THE ENGINE 🔥" the Mercury posted. "SIXTH double-double of the season in only NINE games played. "If you don't mention Alyssa Thomas, it's not an MVP conversation." In the recent WNBA MVP odds by DraftKings sportsbook, Thomas isn't part of the top three players favored to win the award. Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier, Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark and Liberty's Breanna Stewart are the top-three favorites to win. With her continued streak of scoring, rebounding and passing, there's a chance the WNBA will eventually notice Thomas. The five-time All-Star is averaging 14.4 points, 6.8 rebounds and 9.3 assists. She's proven to be an important piece in the Mercury's success as they try to contend for the championship this year. Advertisement Related: WNBA Sends Message to Mercury Rookie's Career Night vs. Liberty This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 20, 2025, where it first appeared.
9 hours ago
- Sport
Monique Akoa Makani scores 21 points and Mercury hand Liberty their 1st home loss, 89-81
NEW YORK -- Rookie Monique Akoa Makani scored a season-high 21 points, Alyssa Thomas added 18 points, 15 rebounds and seven assists, and the Phoenix Mercury beat the New York Liberty 89-81 on Thursday night for their fourth straight win. Sami Whitcomb scored eight of her 16 points in the fourth quarter, Satou Sabally had 14 points and nine rebounds, and Kitija Laksa added 13 points for Phoenix (10-4). Breanna Stewart scored a season-high 35 points for the defending champion Liberty (10-2), who lost at home for the first time this season. Sabrina Ionescu added 16 points on 3-of-16 shooting, including 1 of 10 from 3-point range. Whitcomb's 3-pointer capped a 16-6 run that gave Phoenix an 84-74 lead with 3:10 to play. She went 4 of 9 from 3-point range and Laksa hit 3 of 6. The rest of the Mercury went 0 for 16 from behind the arc. New York's Jonquel Jones left early in the second quarter with a right ankle injury and did not return. The Mercury's Lexi Held departed midway through the third quarter after a collision with Stewart while diving for a loose ball near midcourt. Kahleah Copper (injury management) did not play for the Mercury, who beat Connecticut 83-75 on Wednesday. The 2021 WNBA Finals MVP with Chicago, Copper had surgery on her right knee in May and made her season debut against Las Vegas on Sunday. The Liberty kick off a four-game trip Sunday at Seattle. Phoenix plays the last four consecutive away games Saturday at Chicago.
