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Kahleah Copper Tells Mercury Teammates to 'Feel the Hurt' After WNBA Finals Sweep
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- Kahleah Copper Tells Mercury Teammates to 'Feel the Hurt' After WNBA Finals Sweep
Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Despite the Phoenix Mercury losing all four games to the Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA Finals, it didn't impact Kahleah Copper 's belief in the team.
Although an air of disappointment could be felt the moment she entered the press conference room, Copper still spoke with clarity.
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She shared her message to teammates as they watched the Aces celebrate after the game.
"I wanted us to feel it, I wanted us to hear the celebrations," she said postgame. "I want us to really feel the moment, feel the hurt, and hear what was the celebration and to let it just fuel us for the future."
Copper's Finals Experience Could Reignite Mercury
Copper has been on both sides of the WNBA Finals. In 2021, she was a champion with the Chicago Sky , where she took home the Finals MVP award. Now, she's on the losing end.
Her personal journey this season was arguably the toughest of her career. She endured two injuries that kept her out for extended periods before returning to the court.
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But the veteran forward gained perspective through those struggles that Phoenix desperately needs. Although she has been with the Mercury for only two seasons, she has stepped up and shown leadership when it mattered most.
That leadership was on display during arguably the most painful moment of the season for her and the team.
Reaching the WNBA Finals in your second season with a team isn't something to be taken lightly. Copper posted 31 points, six rebounds and one assist in Friday's series-clinching loss to the Aces. But unfortunately, her efforts weren't enough to stage a comeback.
Nonetheless, her message is one teammates will likely keep in mind as they enter the offseason and prepare for next season's campaign.
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