“We want to be smart player first approach.” Phoenix Mercury head coach recently reassured the team’s loyalists, offering some comfort to those puzzled by star player Kahleah Copper’s absence from the game against the Connecticut Sun on Friday. However, with the Mercury set to face the Los Angeles Sparks on Tuesday night, the supporters may remain anxious as another update on Copper’s injury emerges.

The same media outlet that first reported Kahleah Copper’s absence has now provided an update on the Mercury’s injury status ahead of their game against the Los Angeles Sparks. Desert Wave Media recently tweeted: “Phoenix Mercury injury report for Tuesday’s game against the Los Angeles Sparks: Charisma Osborne – Doubtful (Left Lower Leg), Kahleah Copper – OUT (Back), Rebecca Allen – OUT – NWT (Right Hamstring) #WNBA #WNBATwitter #ValleyTogether #TheNewClassic.”

With Charisma Osborne and Rebecca Allen having managed to play only 2 and 18 games respectively this season, Mercury only takes a major hit with Kahleah Copper’s ongoing absence. The Mercury guard will miss her third straight game since her last appearance against Seattle almost ten days ago. Even though the Mercury have clinched a spot in the playoffs and sit seventh in the standings, the outcomes of their final two games won’t alter their position. However, these games could either disrupt or boost their momentum heading into the playoffs, as they potentially face the Suns, against whom they stand 0-4 this season.

As the leading scorer for the franchise, Kahleah Copper has been impressive this season, averaging a career-high 21.6 points per game over all 36 games. In her absence, the team has managed to win one and lose another by a 19-point margin.

Who replaced Kahleah Copper as Coach Tibbett explained the star player’s absence

Ahead of the Mercury’s game against Connecticut on Friday, head coach Nate Tibbetts faced questions about Kahleah Copper’s absence from the starting lineup. Offering a bit of reassurance, Tibbetts commented, “Yeah, I would say in the last 24 to 48 hours, you know. I — we — don’t think it’s anything serious.” This marked the first game Copper missed all season, having been a constant presence in every game for the Mercury until that point.

The head coach also explained the rationale behind resting Copper. “We just – obviously there’s bigger games ahead – we want to be smart player first approach, and yeah we just we just think this is the best move for her in our organization,” stated Tibbett. Well, in the absence of their key player, the HC decided to bring Celeste Taylor, who joined Mercury just before the All-Star break.

Taylor, who had only one start in her 13 appearances for the Mercury, has recently found herself in the starting lineup for the last two games. Over these outings, she’s contributed six points, five rebounds, and an assist. While she may not shine as brightly as Copper, the rookie has stepped up to bring stability to the team, with seasoned veterans like Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner leading the charge.

With the final two games left and Copper still sidelined, it would be interesting to see if Taylor can capitalize on the given opportunity.