A major part of the 2024 WNBA season was on the cards Tuesday night. A tremendous offensive attack in the closing moments of the game saw the Phoenix Mercury steal the game from back-to-back world champions the Las Vegas Aces at the Michelob ULTRA Arena. A whole lot of credit for this monumental win should be directed towards their formidable Kahleah Copper. However, she didn’t act alone, as much-needed support was provided to her by the team’s talented player Natasha Cloud.

Reflecting on the damage done by these two players on her team was the Las Vegas Aces’ head coach, Becky Hammon. In the post-game media address, she was asked to comment on the effect that both of these athletes had on the game. Hammon replied, “They play a lot faster. Obviously, I have a history of saying how much I love Cloud. I think she’s a hell of a player. And then Kah (Kahleah Copper) she’s just a walking bucket out there. Offensively, she’s definitely a problem. I think the combination of the two of them they’re playing very fast.”

Indeed, their combination proved lethal against the Aces. After trailing the hosts at halftime, Phoenix had an upper hand for the remainder of the game. Courtesy of the efforts of Kahleah Copper and Natasha Cloud, the visitors had a 15-point lead with 5:32 remaining in the penultimate quarter. It was only because of some brilliance from Kelsey Plum at the other end that the gap closed to just 2 points in the final minute. Nonetheless, the Mercury turned the tables again with an 8-0 run to secure the result in their favor.

Eventually, the efforts of both of these athletes saw the team over the line.

Kahleah Copper frustrates the Aces with assistance from Natasha Cloud

With her 11 points, Cloud played the role of the second fiddle perfectly for Mercury. Anyhow, the star of the show was indeed Copper. Carrying on the momentum from her game-high 38 points that she secured in her last game, the 29-year-old delivered another 30+ exhibition. Her 37 points for the night came on 15 of 23 field goals, and she buried 5 of her 9 attempts from beyond the arc.

In addition to this, the 3× WNBA All-Star managed to grab 4 rebounds and 3 steals, capping it off with 3 assists. Also, she converted both her free throws. An emphatic statement made by the Phoenix Mercury in this Western Conference fixture. As a result of this win, the franchise now finds itself sitting in the second spot in the standings. It will be worth watching what they’ll offer against the Mystics next.