In a heart-stopping Commissioner’s Cup showdown, Kahleah Copper delivered a game-winning 3-pointer with just 0.9 seconds remaining, lifting the host Phoenix Mercury to a dramatic 81-80 triumph over the Minnesota Lynx on Friday night.
Copper, utilizing a screen from teammate Brittney Griner to create space for her clutch shot, finished with an outstanding 34 points, sealing the victory for the Mercury (5-6). Griner, making her season debut after recovering from a broken toe, contributed 11 points to the winning effort.
Despite a stellar performance from the Lynx’s Kayla McBride, who poured in 25 points, and a double-double from Napheesa Collier with 20 points and 12 rebounds, the Lynx (7-3) fell just short in a fiercely contested battle.
The Mercury staged a remarkable comeback, erasing a nine-point deficit midway through the fourth quarter to secure the win. Diana Taurasi chipped in 12 points for the Mercury, who showcased their resilience, particularly at home, where they improved to 4-1.
Trailing by seven points in the third quarter, the Lynx mounted a spirited comeback, fueled by McBride’s hot hand from beyond the arc. McBride’s four 3-pointers in the period ignited a 15-3 run, giving Minnesota a 54-49 lead late in the quarter.
Despite Natisha Hiedeman extending the Lynx’s lead with a crucial 3-pointer in the fourth quarter, the Mercury rallied behind Copper’s heroics. After Bridget Carleton’s free throw put the Lynx ahead 80-78, Copper stepped up with a game-winning shot, sealing the victory for Phoenix.
At halftime, the Mercury held a narrow 38-35 lead, with Griner and Copper leading the scoring charge. McBride kept the Lynx in contention with nine points in the first half.
Phoenix surged to a nine-point lead in the opening half, with Griner making an impactful return by notching her first basket of the season. However, the Lynx battled back, tying the score at 23 on a 3-pointer from Collier in the second quarter.
Despite a valiant effort from both sides, Copper’s clutch performance ultimately proved decisive, securing a memorable win for the Mercury in a thrilling encounter against the Lynx.