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Mercury secures Tibbetts’ first victory, Copper career-high on Ring of Honor night

Eliav Gabay

It was Ring of Honor night in Phoenix as all Mercury inductees were immortalized with permanent banners in the Footprint Center rafters.

The crowd was juiced up and that energy rubbed off on the squad as they popped off to a 12-2 lead early.

Kahleah Copper led the rest of the way with a career-high 38 points along with Diana Taurasi’s 15 points in the 88-85 win over Atlanta.

“It was an extremely gritty win,” Nate Tibbetts, who sealed his first-ever victory as head coach, said. “We just talked about – this is winning time and all good teams figure out ways to win…Kah was unbelievable down the stretch. She just made good decisions – one after another.”

“My teammates did a good job of getting me open,” Copper said. “Coach did a good job drawing plays up. I was in the best position so I was able to succeed.”

“Most people forget that we started in Washington together,” Natasha Cloud said. “To see her growth over the years and really see who she turned into…You want to play with a dog like Kah. Someone that’s going to continue to push and challenge you to get better. She’s a prolific scorer…but y’all don’t talk enough about how she’s a two-way player…on top of scoring 38 points tonight, she had the job of guarding Rhyne [Howard] as well. When you can have that impact on both sides of the court, I’m gonna run through a wall for this one.”

Sophie Cunningham’s spark off the bench has been, and will continue to be monumental for the Mercury, especially with Brittney Griner sidelined.

Not to mention, Natasha Mack stepping up big time as one of the defensive anchors, tallying countless deflections and a career-high 11 boards.

Another impressive element of the victory was Tibbetts’ poise down the stretch, which was clearly contagious in the huddle.

“Game is on the line, he’s cracking jokes,” Copper said. “He told me exactly what to do. I made a big play and I just looked at him like, ‘You know what? I like you.'”

Tonight’s home opener welcomed a new season in Phoenix, but it was the past that earned the spotlight.

Just as owner Mat Ishbia did for the Suns legends, the franchise unveiled permanent banners for Mercury legends Jennifer Gillom, Bridget Pettis, Penny Taylor, Michele Timms, and Cheryl Miller:

While Miller couldn’t attend due to knee surgery recovery, each member shared what it meant for them to be recognized:

“What a great feeling. To reminisce about our past and all the fond memories we’ve had and all the special plays we’ve made. Just being here and seeing each other again is such a great feeling. I want to give a shutout to Mat Ishbia for this special night. This will definitely be a night to remember. He didn’t have to do this, but what an amazing man. Mat – we’re so grateful for recognizing our contribution to this organization.”

-Jennifer Gillom

“Mat brought me back and I can’t thank him enough…I was so excited to get here…Watching everybody warm up – it was like, I can’t believe we used to be them…It’s been special. To catch up with these guys and of course, my fellow Australian, who’s been fantastic…Can’t believe how much has changed here in Phoenix, but one thing that’s stayed the same is the X-Factor.”

-Michele Timms (18 years since being back in Phoenix)

“Celebrating the contributions of these women. I’ve played with them, against them all over the world. I appreciate, not just their game and their talents on the court, but the contributions they’ve made off the court as well. Michele Timms paved a path for Australians to come to the WNBA…I love that the history is being honored. It’s so important to remember where you started. These women are the reason we were able to play the game.”

-Penny Taylor

“You never play basketball imagining this. You play just cause you love the game. It’s just took us so far. I’m just grateful from the bottom of my heart and for the next generations to come to know that this is here for them. We did our part.”

-Bridget Pettis

Miller still sent in a video message about how badly she wishes she was there:

A recognition so well deserved and long overdue.

More sights and sounds from Ring of Honor night:

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