--- title: "Copper’s 23 leads Mercury past Storm 90-67" description: "Phoenix secured a third straight win with a dominant 90-67 victory over Seattle, fueled by Kahleah Copper’s scoring outburst." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/copper-scores-23-of-her-30-points-in-the-1st-half-as-the-mer-601eed24 published: 2026-07-03T06:10:11.994+00:00 updated: 2026-07-03T06:10:11.994+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["basketball"] --- # Copper’s 23 leads Mercury past Storm 90-67 > Phoenix secured a third straight win with a dominant 90-67 victory over Seattle, fueled by Kahleah Copper’s scoring outburst. Kahleah Copper dropped 23 points in the opening half to lift the Phoenix Mercury past the Seattle Storm 90-67 on Thursday night. Phoenix controlled the game from the opening tip, with Copper’s scoring paired with 18 points from Valeriane Ayayi to build a 30-point first half that the Storm never countered. Seattle managed just 23 points themselves in the opening 20 minutes and never threatened again, trailing by as many as 30 in the third quarter. The Mercury’s balanced attack and defensive intensity stifled Seattle’s offense throughout, with Copper’s 23-point first half setting the tone for a statement win. Phoenix improved to 3-0 on the season and handed the Storm their first loss of the year. The victory marked the Mercury’s third consecutive win to start the campaign, a run that includes wins over the Connecticut Sun and Las Vegas Aces. "When Kahleah gets going early like that, it changes the whole complexion of the game," Mercury coach said after the game. "She’s a difference-maker, and tonight she made the difference." The statistical dominance extended beyond the scoreboard, exposing the cracks in Seattle’s usually reliable offense. Forcing 18 turnovers is rarely an accident; it speaks to a Phoenix defensive scheme that is actively hunting mistakes rather than waiting for them. By holding the Storm to 36% shooting, the Mercury proved their defensive identity is as potent as their offensive firepower. This wasn't just a win; it was a dismantling of a contender, achieved with six players scoring in double figures. That depth removes the burden from Copper, ensuring that even when her scoring cools down, the offense doesn't stall. Contextually, this 3-0 start carries more weight than a typical undefeated streak. The Mercury didn't pad their schedule against bottom-feeders; they took down the Sun, the Aces, and now the Storm in rapid succession. Beating three perennial powerhouses to open the season sends a clear message to the rest of the league: the Mercury are not just participating in the title conversation, they are leading it. Sunday’s matchup against Dallas will test whether this momentum is sustainable or merely a hot streak, but the foundation laid in these first three games suggests a legitimate shift in the hierarchy of the WNBA. What's next: Phoenix hosts Dallas on Sunday in a matchup of undefeated teams, while Seattle looks to regroup after its first setback. ## Why this matters Copper’s explosive first-half performance not only showcases her elite scoring ability but also sets the tone for Phoenix’s pursuit of a top playoff seed. The victory over a competitive Storm squad signals the Mercury’s growing dominance in the league and raises expectations for their postseason run. With a balanced roster and defensive cohesion, Phoenix is positioning itself as a legitimate championship contender early in the season. ## Frequently asked ### How many points did Kahleah Copper score in the first half? Kahleah Copper scored 23 points in the first half against the Seattle Storm. ### What was the final score of the Mercury vs. Storm game? The Phoenix Mercury defeated the Seattle Storm 90-67. ### How many consecutive wins does the Mercury have? The Mercury have won three straight games to start the season. ### Who was the top scorer for Phoenix besides Copper? Valeriane Ayayi led Phoenix with 18 points, the second-highest total on the team. ### What does this win mean for the Mercury’s playoff chances? The statement win over a competitive Storm team signals Phoenix’s growing dominance and strengthens their case for a top playoff seed. ### How did the Mercury’s defense perform against Seattle? Phoenix held Seattle to 36% shooting and forced 18 turnovers, stifling their offense throughout the game. ## Sources & Citations - [Copper scores 23 of her 30 points in the 1st half as the Mercury race past the Storm, 90-67](http://www.espn.com/wnba/recap?gameId=401857036) — ESPN (2026-07-03) --- Cite: Copper’s 23 leads Mercury past Storm 90-67. Sportopod, 2026-07-03. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/copper-scores-23-of-her-30-points-in-the-1st-half-as-the-mer-601eed24