Phoenix falls short to the Dream

Kahleah Copper delivered one of her best performances of the season Saturday night, but the Phoenix Mercury could not overcome Atlanta’s fast start and inside dominance in a 99–89 loss at Mortgage Matchup Center.

Copper scored 38 points to lead Phoenix, providing the offensive spark behind a determined second-half comeback. The Mercury shot far more effectively after halftime, making 13 of 22 attempts in the third quarter after converting only 10 of 29 in the opening half.

Atlanta, however, never surrendered the lead.

The Dream seized control early behind consecutive 3-pointers from Rhyne Howard, building a 14–3 advantage midway through the first quarter. Phoenix spent the rest of the evening trying to erase that initial deficit.

Angel Reese made those efforts especially difficult. She finished with a career-high 31 points and 14 rebounds, recording her 25th double-double of the season. Howard added 20 points and five assists as Atlanta repeatedly answered Mercury scoring runs.

Phoenix played with greater pace and urgency after halftime, with Copper attacking from multiple levels and keeping the game competitive. Her 38 points marked the 19th time this season that she has led the Mercury in scoring.

Yet the supporting offense never became consistent enough to swing the game. Kelsey Plum missed her third consecutive contest because of a lower-left-leg injury, leaving Phoenix without another major scoring option against one of the league’s strongest teams.

The result carried significant postseason consequences for both clubs. Atlanta improved to 24–13, earned its fifth victory in six games and officially clinched a playoff berth. The Dream also strengthened their pursuit of a top-four finish and home-court advantage in the opening round.

Phoenix fell to 13–24 and was eliminated from playoff contention. The Mercury have now lost five of their past six games during a difficult closing stretch of the season.

Despite the disappointment, Copper’s performance offered another reminder of her ability to carry the offense. Phoenix showed resilience after falling behind early, but Atlanta’s balanced scoring, rebounding advantage and control of the game from the opening minutes proved too much to overcome.