Mercury's Kahleah Copper 'trending' toward returning Sunday, per Nate Tibbetts
Phoenix Mercury wing Kahleah Copper (left knee) is “trending” toward playing in Sunday’s game against the Las Vegas Aces, Mercury coach Nate Tibbetts said.
PHOENIX — Phoenix Mercury wing Kahleah Copper (left knee) is “trending” toward playing in Sunday’s game against the Las Vegas Aces, Mercury coach Nate Tibbetts said.
Copper was a full participant at the Mercury’s open practice in front of season-ticket holders on Friday.
“I think the last couple practices (Copper) is trending toward playing,” Tibbetts said Friday. “We obviously have missed her. I know she’s super excited to get going. We’re super excited to get her back. It was nice to have her out there for the full practice today.”
Copper underwent a successful left knee arthroscopy and was ruled out four to six weeks, the team announced on May 17. She was first seen back on the court getting individual work in at the Mercury’s practice facility on May 27.
Tibbetts also said Friday the Mercury’s offense won’t change schematically with the addition of Copper.
“I don’t think it’s going to change. The good thing with Mack and (Copper) is that they’ve both been here,” Tibbetts said.
“It’s a different system, but they were here all through training camp, and we liked what we saw, and we’re excited where we’re headed. I’m sure there’s gonna be some rust with Mack and (Copper) a little bit, but we’re going to figure it out.”
On Friday, Copper practiced in a group with the Mercury’s starting unit (Alyssa Thomas, Satou Sabally, Monique Akoa Makani and Natasha Mack).
Sami Whitcomb, Kathryn Westbeld, Murjanatu Musa, Kitija Laksa and Lexi Held practiced in a separate group.
Mercury center Kalani Brown (illness) was not present at the Mercury’s open practice. She last practiced on Tuesday and has been away from the team since.
Copper’s return was celebrated by her teammates and the crowd at Friday’s open practice. She hit three half-court shots in a row and exclaimed, “I’m back!” after she sank the second.
A’ja Wilson battling concussion, out Friday
Minutes after the Mercury’s open practice concluded, Aces center A’ja Wilson (head) was ruled out for the Aces’ game on Friday against the Dallas Wings. She was also placed in concussion protocol.
Wilson took an inadvertent hit from a driving Dearica Hamby late in the third quarter of Wednesday’s game against the Los Angeles Sparks and did not return.
“I think it always starts with (Wilson),” Tibbetts said of the game plan against the Aces. “New seasons bring new challenges. They’ve had some change in their roster with (Kelsey Plum) leaving, some of their veterans.”
Through eight games, the Aces (4-4) are off to their worst start since 2019, and have dropped their past two games.
“They’re a good team. They’re a great team. (They’re) championship-caliber. There’s tough stretches in the season, and I know they’re gonna be ready,” Tibbetts added.
The Mercury begin their four-game roadtrip on Sunday at 3 p.m. MST against the Aces. The game can be watched on Arizona’s Family 3TV and Arizona’s Family Sports.
Oh wow! Right on target at 4 weeks. Let’s go!!