Why Phoenix's Kahleah Copper Was Key Against Minnesota

The Phoenix Mercury have a great scorer in Kahleah Copper, and her abilities were on display against the Minnesota Lynx.

Aug 3, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2) drives to the basket against the Chicago Sky during the first half at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images / Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

The Phoenix Mercury are going to the WNBA Finals, and their stars played a big role in the team getting to this point. Phoenix's stars were phenomenal against the Minnesota Lynx, which was important as the Lynx were a tough competitor.

The Phoenix Mercury celebrate their 86-81 win over the Minnesota Lynx in the WNBA semifinal playoffs at PHX Arena on Sept. 28, 2025. / Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Minnesota made the Finals last year, and they finished the regular season with the best record in the league. The Lynx had a shot at winning it all and bringing home the franchise's fifth title. However, the Mercury had other plans.

Phoenix's stars shined in this series, and now, one of them is close to winning her second championship.

Aug 3, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2) drives to the basket against Chicago Sky guard Kia Nurse (11) during the first half at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images / Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Kahleah Copper won a championship back in 2021, when the Chicago Sky beat the Mercury. Copper had a good playoff run that year, and she averaged 17.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.2 steals.

Chicago faced the Dallas Wings, the Lynx and the Connecticut Sun before facing the Mercury. Then, Copper helped her team win it all.

This time around, she is with the Mercury, and she had a strong series to help them get to the Finals.

Copper starts off strong

In the first game against Minnesota, Copper had 22 points, two rebounds and an assist. The Mercury lost that game, as the Lynx beat them 82-69. Copper had a quieter game after that, as she had eight points, three assists, a rebound and a steal. Despite her quiet night, the Mercury beat the Lynx in overtime.

Sep 26, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2) drives the ball past Minnesota Lynx guard Courtney Williams (10) during game three of the second round for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at PHX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images / Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

Phoenix's scoring guard bounced back in the next game, as she had 21 points, three rebounds and two assists. That game was huge for Phoenix, as they not only took the lead in the series, their trio put on a show. Satou Sabally had 23 points and four rebounds, while Alyssa Thomas had 21 points, nine rebounds, eight assists, five steals and two blocks.

Then, in the final game of that series, Copper had 13 points and four rebounds.

Overall, Copper averaged 16 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists. She contributed on the offensive end, and in the next round, the Mercury will need all of the scoring they can get. That is where Copper comes in, and as someone who has a championship, she can show up and deliver in big moments.

Copper and the Mercury are on the verge of making history, and if "KFC" is at her best, Phoenix will be tough to stop.

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