LAS VEGAS — Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper made sure all of her teammates were seen during Thursday’s press conference, especially those who haven’t played as much as they did earlier in the season.
Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2) celebrates her team’s defensive stop against the New York Liberty at PHX Arena, Aug. 30, 2025, in Phoenix. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
In a season marked by injuries, including to its stars, Phoenix was tested by its depth and resilience. Players such as Lexi Held, Kitija Laksa, Kalani Brown and Kiana Williams stepped up when the team needed them, contributing to key wins and helping the Mercury secure the No. 4 seed in the playoffs.
Heading into the WNBA Finals series on Friday against the Las Vegas Aces, Copper stressed the important contributions these players made, even if they’re not seeing the same opportunities now.
Mercury guards Lexie Held (center white) and Kitija Laska (center purple) celebrate a basket at PHX Arena in Phoenix on Aug. 7, 2025. © Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
“‘Us’ has been our saying all season,” Copper said. “… Seeing our fight, you know? We have players who have never played in the W before, go out there and compete at the highest level. And they went on a winning streak and I think now, they’re sending me and [Alyssa Thomas] and [Satou Sabally], and they’re talking about us. But, don’t forget about those players who held it down.”
Sep 11, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Phoenix Mercury center Kalani Brown (21) shoots the ball over Dallas Wings guard Haley Jones (30) during the second half at College Park Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Copper, along with Natasha Mack, began the season with injuries that sidelined them for several weeks. Thomas went down with a calf injury in late May and Sabally injured her right ankle before the All-Star break.
Injuries didn’t hinder the team, as they held a winning record the entire regular season. They ended the regular season with a 27-17 record, their most wins since 2014 when they went 29-5.
Phoenix won the WNBA Finals that year.
Jul 16, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Kiana Williams (23) drives around Minnesota Lynx guard Natisha Hiedeman (2) in the fourth quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images
“They’re really important for this team,” said Copper. “And what they’ve built when we didn’t have everyone at a hundred percent… I think we had constant talks about what this team was capable of and we weren’t even at full strength yet.”
Copper’s message before the Finals was a reminder that a championship run isn’t built by stars alone, but by the full roster rising when it matters most.
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) October 3, 2025
The Phoenix Mercury and the Las Vegas Aces play Game 1 of the WNBA Finals on Friday, Oct. 2, at 5 p.m.
*Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*
Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
Phoenix Suns and Mercury fans react to new arena naming rights
