It isn’t particularly uncommon to see the WNBA’s greats — with both peak health and increased motivation following a lengthy offseason — attack the opening week with noticeable vigor and determination. In 2024’s regular-season, it was perhaps only appropriate that Phoenix Mercury star Kahleah Copper took that brilliance beyond planet Earth. Three days removed from a career-best 38 points, Copper, already in search of a new accomplishment to celebrate, powers towards the perimeter, eyeing a game-clincher with Phoenix ahead by two in the final 45 seconds. Ignoring both “defense” chants from the Las Vegas Aces’ crowd and Jackie Young’s presence at her left shoulder, Copper persists in her explosive drive, ultimately ascending into an acrobatic, game-winning finish that banks off the glass and through the nylon. Documenting an early-season Most Valuable Player case, Copper became just league history’s second-ever player to record back-to-back 35-point games, turning in 37 points (on 15-of-23 shooting), four rebounds, three assists, three steals, one block, and five 3-pointers on May 21, 2024. · May 22, 2024