Brittney Griner has been back in the lineup for the Phoenix Mercury for four games. In that span, the Mercury are 3-1, and they’ve begun to “evolve” with Griner back gracing the hardwood.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Griner has a storied history with Diana Taurasi, but a new star is in town forming a duo with the 6-foot-9 big.
Kahleah Copper has been Phoenix’s go-to scorer this season, averaging 24 points per game on 44% from the field and 38% from 3-point range.
Without Griner in the offense, Phoenix’s inside-out attack wasn’t as effective without an elite inside presence that could change up looks. But her gravity on the inside combined with Copper’s poise as a three-level scorer, Phoenix is now home to one of the league’s deadliest combos.
bring us home BG!! pic.twitter.com/sokxJUpEob
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) June 16, 2024
“Having [Brittney Griner] now really consistently opens things up [offensively],” Copper said. “Coming off of her screens, they got to make a decision, and then we can play out of that.”
Defenses are put into a position where it has to adjust and react on the fly. The two-woman game between these two creates mismatches and forces defenders to navigate quick.
Teams have yet to figure out the best way to scheme against this duo. Through her four games, Griner has averaged a career-high 22 points per game. A small sample size, but it’s certain that the Mercury are a much more dangerous team with her presence.
pick your poison @MountainAmerica | #ValleyTogether pic.twitter.com/OaKscvFF9Y
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) June 17, 2024
“As I said before, you have to make a decision,” Copper said. “You can’t go under [the screen], that’s one. And then you go over, and now I’ve got the help, and now BG is rolling [to the rim]. Bucket.”
“Now, if you help on the weak side, [Diana Taurasi] is rising. Bucket. You make a decision,” Copper said while laughing. “It’s a tough cover, but she’s getting me free every time. So just trying to reward her and trying to play out of that.”
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Justin LaCertosa covers Phoenix Sports News for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @LaCertosaSports
WATCH: Brittney Griner, Kahleah Copper speak on Mercury’s win over Storm, their success as a duo
