A last-second layup by Kahleah Copper secures victory for Phoenix, ending Dallas's six-game win streak
Category: Sports
The Phoenix Mercury defeated the Dallas Wings 87-86 on September 21, 2026, at the Mortgage Matchup Center, marking a dramatic end to a closely contested game that saw the Mercury spoil the Wings' playoff aspirations.
Kahleah Copper led all scorers with 31 points, including a game-winning reverse layup with just two seconds remaining. The victory improved the Mercury's record to 16-27, whereas the Wings fell to 26-17, dropping out of playoff contention for the fifth seed.
Paige Bueckers, who had been a standout player for Dallas, finished the game with 30 points and seven assists but missed a turnaround jumper at the buzzer that could have sealed the win for the Wings. The game was a rollercoaster of emotions, especially in the final moments where the officiating crew overturned a foul call against Alyssa Thomas, resulting in a jump ball that led to Copper's decisive basket.
"It’s tough to lose a game like this, especially after leading for most of it," Bueckers said post-game. "We had our chances, but we just couldn’t close it out. We need to learn from this as we head into the playoffs."
The Wings started strong, with Bueckers and Awak Kuier contributing early to build a 26-19 lead at the end of the first quarter. They maintained a narrow lead throughout the second quarter, going into halftime with a 45-43 advantage. The Mercury, facing a tough season, showed resilience, cutting into the lead multiple times and eventually taking the lead early in the third quarter.
Dallas's defense, which had been solid throughout the season, struggled against the Mercury's offensive pressure, particularly from Copper and Thomas. Thomas, who played a key role in orchestrating Phoenix's offense, finished with a notable performance, contributing not just in scoring but also in playmaking.
This matchup was particularly important for both teams as they approached the final stretch of the regular season. The Wings were looking to solidify their playoff positioning, having won six straight games prior to this loss. Meanwhile, the Mercury aimed to end a disappointing season on a high note, seeking to build momentum for the future.
Injuries have plagued the Wings throughout the season, with key players like Azzi Fudd sidelined after knee surgery and Alanna Smith out due to a leg injury sustained during the FIBA Women’s World Cup. This has forced Dallas to rely heavily on its remaining core, including Bueckers, who has been a bright spot in an otherwise challenging season.
The game was also a showcase for Alyssa Thomas, who has been a consistent performer for the Mercury. Known for her ability to facilitate plays, Thomas averaged 8.4 assists per game leading up to this match, ranking second in the league behind Caitlin Clark. Her ability to distribute the ball effectively has been a key factor in Phoenix's recent performances.
For the Mercury, this victory boosts morale and serves as a stepping stone toward future seasons. Coach Nate Tibbetts praised his team's effort, stating, "We showed heart and determination tonight. This is the kind of performance we can build on moving forward." The Mercury will look to carry this energy into their remaining games, hoping to finish the season on a positive note.
The Wings, now facing a tighter race for playoff positioning, must regroup quickly. With their next game scheduled against the Seattle Storm, they will need to address their late-game execution and defensive lapses that cost them this match. Coach Jose Fernandez emphasized the importance of learning from this loss, stating, "We need to tighten up our game if we want to compete in the playoffs. Every possession counts."
As the regular season draws to a close, the stakes are high for both teams. With the playoffs approaching, every game will be critically important, and both the Mercury and Wings will be looking to refine their strategies and solidify their rosters for the postseason.
The Wings will face the Storm next, aiming to bounce back from this narrow defeat and secure their place in the playoffs, which are set to begin shortly after the regular season concludes. With the intensity of the WNBA playoffs on the horizon, fans can expect more thrilling basketball as teams vie for a championship.