Kahleah Copper was sensational during the Phoenix Mercury's game against the Chicago Sky on Tuesday. She recorded a game-high 25 points on 9-of-19 shooting, along with four rebounds and one steal.
Unfortunately, Copper didn't get much help, as the rest of the Mercury struggled offensively. Their bench unit, in particular, was outscored by the Sky's second unit 25-9.
The loss snapped the Mercury's three-game winning streak and dropped them to 8-14 on the season.
Making matters worse for Phoenix, Copper is expected to be fined and receive a warning from the WNBA following the loss.
Copper and Sky forward Natasha Cloud were assessed double technical fouls with 57 seconds remaining in the third quarter. The problem is that it was Copper's fifth tech of the season, the second-most in the WNBA — tied with Caitlin Clark and just one behind Angel Reese.
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According to the WNBA's rules, the fourth through seventh technical fouls committed by a player each carry a $1,000 fine. Aside from that, the WNBA sends a warning letter to players who reach five techs.
The technical foul limit in the WNBA is seven. Every tech after that is punishable by a $1,500 fine and an automatic one-game suspension.
Copper is undeniably Phoenix's best player. She's averaging 20.8 points on 41% shooting, along with 3.8 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game. With that said, the Mercury can't afford for her to get suspended if they want to turn the season around. Phoenix still has 22 games left to play this campaign.
For what it's worth, Copper was not the only Mercury player set to receive a disciplinary action from the WNBA. Forward Alyssa Thomas was assessed a tech during the game as well and is now due to pay a $500 fine.
