After missing several games due to injuries, Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper made her return to the court recently, scoring 10 points in her first game back. Despite the return of Copper and teammate Satou Sabally to the starting lineup, the Mercury fell to the Atlanta Dream 90-79 in a hard-fought matchup.
Copper’s comeback is significant as she had been sidelined earlier in the season with a knee injury before missing additional time because of a hamstring issue. Her recovery and return allow her to rebuild momentum and regain the form that has defined her career.
Career and Season Performance Underline Copper’s Importance to Her Team
Known primarily for her scoring ability, Kahleah Copper is averaging 15.7 points per game this season alongside 3.1 rebounds and 1.1 steals. Despite these solid numbers, Copper’s total points accumulated this season stand at 110, which is her lowest since completing 187 points during her rookie year. With the season still underway, Copper is on track to surpass her early career totals as she settles back into the lineup.
Copper’s journey began when the Washington Mystics selected her seventh overall in the 2016 WNBA Draft. After her rookie season, she was traded to the Chicago Sky in a move that sent Elena Delle Donne to Washington. This trade marked a turning point in Copper’s career trajectory.
Evolution from Bench Player to Key Starter in Chicago
In her first year with Chicago, Copper scored 228 points while primarily coming off the bench and starting in only ten games. Her role expanded significantly starting in 2020, when she became a regular starter and increased her point total to 326 with an average of 14.9 points per game. The following year, Copper’s contributions helped the Sky secure a championship, registering 462 points with a 14.4 scoring average during that title-winning season.
The Chicago Sky’s championship victory came against Copper’s current team, the Phoenix Mercury, highlighting her impactful presence. Over the next two seasons with Chicago, her scoring rose to 488 and then 710 points, showing continued growth before being traded to Phoenix for the 2024 season.
Approaching a Major Career Milestone
In the current 2024 season with the Mercury, Copper has already scored 782 points and set a career-high average of 21.1 points per game. Her overall career total stands at 3,755 points, putting her within reach of the 4,000-point milestone by the end of the season. This achievement would affirm Copper’s status as one of the WNBA’s consistent and elite scorers.
Whether through aggressive drives to the basket or precise jump shots, Copper continues to prove her scoring versatility. Her presence will be a critical factor in Phoenix’s pursuit of another championship, potentially securing Copper’s second WNBA ring.
Looking Ahead: Copper’s Role in the Mercury’s Season
Kahleah Copper’s return and steady scoring form provide hope for the Phoenix Mercury as they aim to contend in a competitive season. Maintaining her health and rhythm on the court will be essential not only for Copper’s personal milestones but also for the team’s success in the playoffs. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if she can carry the Mercury deep into the postseason.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Kahleah Copper good?
A. Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper stands out as a top scorer in the league. She excels in driving to the basket, shooting mid-range shots, and making three-pointers. Copper’s ability to score in multiple areas makes her hard to defend when she’s healthy. She became part of the Mercury team last season through an offseason trade.
Q. How good is kahleah copper?
A. Over six games, Copper is averaging 16.7 points and 3.5 rebounds, shooting an impressive 45% from three-point range. This is her best shooting percentage from long range in the first six games since she played for the Chicago Sky in 2023. Copper has become an important player for the Mercury following her return.