ARLINGTON — The Phoenix Mercury couldn’t overcome an early first-quarter deficit and fell to the Dallas Wings, 98-89, on Thursday, July 3.
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Jul 3, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) shoots as Dallas Wings forward Myisha Hines-Allen (2) defends during the second half at College Park Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
The Wings went on an 11-2 run to open the first quarter, with Mercury’s Monique Akoa Makani’s three-pointer breaking the run. The Mercury struggled to overcome the deficit and were down by double digits after the first, 32-20.
Phoenix cut the deficit to six during the second quarter but Dallas went on a nine-point run, taking a 61-43 lead into the half.
Jul 3, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Wings guard Aziaha James (10) drives to the basket past Phoenix Mercury forward Satou Sabally (0) and Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2) during the first half at College Park Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
The Mercury started the third quarter on a 13-4 run and were able to get within four points, 67-63. However, the Wings went on a 15-8 run to keep their lead into the fourth.
Phoenix couldn’t overcome the Wings’ first-quarter run and went on to lose their sixth game of the season.
Copper’s Game
Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2) makes a layup against the Liberty during a game at PHX Arena in Phoenix on June 27, 2025. © Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Mercury’s Kahleah Copper had her best game of the season against the Wings, scoring 33 points, shooting 58.8% from the field and 57.1% from three. She was the highest scorer between both teams. Phoenix head coach Nate Tibbetts spoke with the media about Copper’s performance against Dallas, saying she’s looked more comfortable since her return from injury.
“These practices have been really good for [Copper],” Tibbetts said. “We know who [Copper] is as a player and how she competes on each and every possession. She’s starting to feel more like herself, which is exciting.”
Jul 3, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2) shoots against the Dallas Wings during the second half at College Park Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Copper said she feels good to be moving around the way she wants to. Although the Mercury couldn’t come up with a win despite her performance, she’s grateful to be back playing.
“Credit to the work, to the grind of injuries and just trying to get back,” said Copper. “So I’m just proud of myself for just grinding through that and then being able to see the results come up. But the win would have made it a little sweeter.”
SIX STRAIGHT BUCKETS FOR PHOENIX ????
Kahleah Copper now has a season-high 25 PTS!
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— WNBA (@WNBA) July 4, 2025
The Mercury and Wings play each other again in the desert on Monday, July 7 at 7 p.m. at PHX Arena.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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