Kahleah Copper continues torrid pace as Phoenix Mercury upset Aces in Las Vegas

Kahleah Copper hasn’t taken much time to adjust to the Phoenix Mercury after dropping another 35-plus points for the second consecutive game.

Copper’s 37 points came up big as the Mercury handed the two-time defending champion Las Vegas Aces a rare home loss 98-88 on Tuesday night. The Aces had just one loss at home last season.

Copper, who had a career-high 38 points in her last game, had 14 in the fourth quarter, including a driving layup with 42 seconds to play that tipped the game for the Mercury. Copper has averaged 31.3 points as the Mercury have started 2-1 in the first three games.

“(Copper) had a big night again,” head coach Nate Tibbetts said. “Just what she’s done for our team, it’s allowed others to kind of be more comfortable in their role and she can score that thing at a high level. She’s finding her spots, she’s getting to the rim. She’s got nine threes attempted tonight which we love. I thought she played at a super high level once again.”

Sug Sutton added 12 points and Natasha Cloud chipped in 11. The Mercury were sharp from the perimeter, going 16-of-33 on 3-pointers, five by Copper.

At halftime, the Aces were up 47-46 after five ties and 11 lead changes.

Kelsey Plum had 27 points for the Aces (2-1), Jackie Young added 23, and A'ja Wilson 21 with 13 rebounds.

Led by Sutton and Sophie Cunningham, the Mercury's bench helped make the difference as it outscored the Aces 27-2.

"It's good for us. I'm just thinking about us. From let's go all the way back to our preseason games," Copper said. "When we watch the film, we want to see that we've gotten better, and that's what it is for me."

The Mercury return to Phoenix for the next two games at Footprint Center, including Thursday's meeting with the Washington Mystics (0-4).

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Mercury's Kahleah Copper continues torrid pace in upset over Aces