The Phoenix Mercury edged past the Minnesota Lynx by a narrow margin of 81-80. The game was closely contested as both the teams had a lot of to and fro in the match. However, the play would be remembered for one shining moment in which the Mercury’s veteran Diana Taurasi completely sacrificed her possession to give the ball to their new joinee Kahleah Copper during a crucial moment of the game.

Copper, after the competition was over, took the opportunity to thank Taurasi for showing such incredible team spirit and her words resonated through the ears of every enthusiast.

Kahleah Copper thanks Diana Taurasi

The 29-year-old did not hold back her gratitude and instead spoke highly of Taurasi. The clip of the same was posted online by celebrated journalist Shane Young. And the fans just swooned over the atmosphere created by the Mercury.“Shout out to Diana Taurasi. Because we went to that time out and coach Judie played up for D. And D said no give the ball to Kah. Like, I have so much respect for her for that. And I just went out there and made a play,” Kahleah Copper stated.

During the Phoenix Mercury timeout, as revealed by Copper the head coach Nate Tibbetts had planned a gameplay where Taurasi would be making the final shot. The game was then posited in favor of the Lynx as they led by a 78-80 margin. Taurasi who is a senior with the Mercury, noticed that Copper was playing well and had scored 31 points till then. So, she recommended the coach give the scoring opportunity to Copper. And what happened next was pure brilliance.

After the timeout was over, Kahleah Copper basketed a 25-foot three-point jumper with an assist from Britney Griner. This took the score to 81-80 in control of the Mercury. Post that the Lynx took a timeout but unfortunately couldn’t convert any score as their star Kayla McBride missed out on a shot from beyond the arc. Thus, the game went in favor of Copper & Co. Though Copper performed exceptionally well, it was a whole team performance that helped Mercury win the game.

Kahleah Copper’s teammates shower support

Copper smashed 34 points while Taurasi and Griner supported Copper by smoking 12 and 11 points respectively. Another important role was played by Natasha Cloud who battered 10 assists. Therefore, it was a complete team support from Copper’s peers. On the defensive end, Taurasi, Cloud, and Copper nabbed 6 rebounds each.

For the Lynx, the highest scorer was McBride who sizzled 25 points but as mentioned, failed to make the best at the last moment and lost the match by a margin of a solitary point.

The Mercury have lost 6 games and won 5, and with current team bonding, it is possible that they improve upon their tally and go for the glory. Meanwhile, Copper can’t thank Taurasi enough for her sacrifice.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato had to say about the Reese-Clark rivalry and more, watch this video.