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Angel Reese and Kahleah Copper shared a tender postgame embrace that had WNBA fans everywhere swooning. Against the backdrop of Wintrust Arena’s locker room alley and the echo of Chicago’s tough loss on Saturday, the Sky’s sophomore sensation and the Mercury veteran shared an impromptu moment, later posted on Reese’s social media handle.
Angel Reese and Kahleah Copper Reconnect in Heartfelt Postgame Moment
The roots of this friendship trace back to the inaugural Unrivaled 3×3 season this year, where Reese and Copper found themselves teammates on Rose BC. Despite hailing from different generations, both discovered a mutual grind-driven mindset in Miami’s sun-soaked courts.
Yet, back in WNBA competition, their teams collided on June 21, 2025, when Copper’s Phoenix Mercury handed the Sky a 107-86 defeat. Phoenix shattered its franchise record with 17 three-pointers, paced by Sami Whitcomb’s five treys and Copper’s own 16 points with 2-of-6 from threes.
Following the game and despite Chicago’s disappointing loss to the Mercury, Reese greeted Copper, who was quick to plant a playful kiss on her cheek as they posed playfully for the camera.
Reese then shared the clip on her Instagram Story with the caption, “grandmaaaaa. missed my old lady. @_klc215,” highlighting the affectionate nickname they’ve bestowed on one another.
Chicago Sky Faces 107- 86 Defeat to the Phoenix Mercury
The Phoenix Mercury stormed out to an early lead and never looked back, handing the Chicago Sky a 107-86 defeat. In the first quarter, the Mercury stood at 31, while the Sky labored with just 18 points. The second quarter was a close call, but in the third quarter, Chicago was left behind as Copper and Co. swept ahead 34-15.
Satou Sabally chipped in 15 points, and Alyssa Thomas added 11 points. Meanwhile, Kalani Brown and Kitija Laksa added 11 points each off the bench. Indiana Pacers star T.J. McConnell’s sister, Megan, was out due to a knee injury she sustained earlier.
The Mercury shot 51.5% from the field (35-of-68) and 48.6% from deep (17-of-35), finishing with 25 assists and 34 total rebounds.
MORE: What Happened To Megan McConnell? Sister Of Pacers Star T.J. McConnell Dealt Harsh Injury Blow 2 Days After Joining Mercury
Chicago struggled in contrast. The Sky managed just 22 rebounds compared to their opponent. And turned the ball over 20 times. Kamilla Cardoso and Michaela Onyenwere led Chicago with 17 points each, but the team’s 3–9 record reflects an ongoing midseason lull under head coach Tyler Marsh.
Reese made nine points and two rebounds. Ariel Atkins’ 13 points and four assists, along with Kia Nurse’s 10 points and two steals, pushed Chicago to reach the 86-point mark. Still, the Phoenix Mercury left the Chicago Sky with a 21-point deficit that the latter couldn’t narrow any further.
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6 players scored 2+ threes today, tying a league record for the most by a team in a single game. pic.twitter.com/W0VVeEcVtO
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) June 22, 2025
Earlier, they lost to the Mystics (79-72) after winning against the Sun (78-66). Chicago returns home 3–9 but heads next to face the Atlanta Dream on June 22 at the Gateway Center.
The Sky has to use every ounce in them to win this match before they meet the Los Angeles Sparks on June 24 back in Chicago.
Sami Whitcomb’s sharpshooting and Copper’s steady presence have the Mercury riding a five-game winning streak. For Phoenix, the win improves their record to 11–4, and they host the New York Liberty on June 27 and the Las Vegas Aces on June 29. They will travel to meet the Dallas Wings on July 3 before hosting them for a rematch on July 7.
