Latest news with #PhoenixMercury
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.
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Natasha Cloud, Brittney Griner joyfully reunite before Liberty-Dream clash
The post Natasha Cloud, Brittney Griner joyfully reunite before Liberty-Dream clash appeared first on ClutchPoints. The New York Liberty and Atlanta Dream both have serious ambitions this season, and earning a win in Tuesday's showdown should bring them a little closer to fulfilling them. On this night, the defending champions reigned supreme, pulling out an 86-81 home victory. Advertisement But before charging into battle in the Barclays Center, two ex-teammates gleefully reconnected on the court. Liberty guard Natasha Cloud leaped up to hug Dream center Brittney Griner, via Atlanta's official X account. Although the two former champions played only one season together on the Phoenix Mercury, they clearly formed a special bond. Griner and Cloud are each hoping for a better conclusion to the WNBA campaign, following a first-round playoffs exit at the hands of the Minnesota Lynx last year. The former is a Mercury legend who helped the franchise win a championship in 2014, but she felt it was time to move on after a decade-plus in The Desert. Cloud is also enjoying her new environment, serving a key role on a Liberty squad that currently owns the second-best record in the league. Coincidentally, both talents recently achieved huge milestones. Griner passed WNBA trailblazer Lisa Leslie for the second-most blocks ever, and Cloud jumped into ninth on the all-time assists list. They are putting those exquisite individual skills to good use on their new squads. Griner is averaging 1.4 rejections with the Dream, while Cloud posts 6.1 assists per contest. Advertisement Neither player is producing a ton of offense at this point of their respective careers, which was also the case in this latest matchup, but they can bring invaluable defensive intensity. Based on where New York (10-1) and Atlanta (8-4) currently sit in the WNBA hierarchy, these additions are already paying dividends. Though, Phoenix is doing just fine in its own right. The revamped Mercury are 8-4, now tied with the Dream for fourth place. Despite weathering significant offseason departures, the squad is in prime playoff position. It will be interesting to see where these three franchises wind up when it is all said and done. Related: Liberty get major Jonquel Jones injury update for Dream clash Related: Natasha Cloud surpasses WNBA legend despite loss to Fever
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Liberty's Jonquel Jones suffers injury scare vs. Mercury
The post Liberty's Jonquel Jones suffers injury scare vs. Mercury appeared first on ClutchPoints. The New York Liberty and their fans are hoping for the best after watching one of their most important players exit Thursday's game versus the Phoenix Mercury. Jonquel Jones went down with a lower-body injury, grabbing her knee in clear pain. She limped to the locker room and was eventually ruled out for the remainder of the contest with an ankle injury, per Sara Jane Gamelli. Advertisement Jones recently returned from a two-game absence, missing the Liberty's win over the Chicago Sky and their loss to the Indiana Fever (first of season) with an ankle sprain. This latest setback occurred on a drive attempt in the first half. Jones' awkward landing gave way to a subdued Barclays Center crowd. Considering that the veteran center claimed WNBA Finals MVP honors en route to the franchise's first-ever championship last year, it would likely be extremely challenging to outlast the rest of the competition without her. When the knee is involved, people naturally prepare for the worst-case scenario. Luckily, despite Jones' initial reaction, that does not appear to be a serious concern at the moment. The reigning champs will do their best to press on against the formidable and feisty Mercury (9-4) following this unfortunate development. They narrowly trail in the fourth quarter at time of print. Breanna Stewart is fully embodying the alpha role, erupting for 30-plus points in front of the home fans. Jonquel Jones finished with two points, four rebounds and one block in nine minutes of action. Ideally, New York will be able to provide more clarity regarding the two-way star's re-aggravated ankle injury after this contest concludes. Advertisement The Liberty (10-1) boast plenty of depth and firepower, but replacing Jones' production is not something the team wants to think about right now. Or ever. Related: Liberty's Breanna Stewart shatters WNBA record in performance vs. Mercury Related: How Nyara Sabally's EuroBasket decision is already paying off for the Liberty
Associated Press
8 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
8 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.
