Kahleah Copper scored 24 points and the Phoenix Mercury pulled away in the fourth quarter to defeat the Toronto Tempo 89-80 on Saturday night at Coca-Cola Coliseum.
Mercury dominate final frame
The Mercury outscored the Tempo 28-14 in the fourth quarter to secure the victory. Phoenix trailed 66-61 entering the final period before turning up the defensive pressure and finding their offensive rhythm.
"We just locked in defensively and started moving the ball better," Copper said. "Everybody contributed in that fourth quarter."
Key performers
Brittney Griner added 18 points and 10 rebounds for the Mercury, while Diana Taurasi chipped in with 15 points and 7 assists. Kia Nurse led the Tempo with 22 points, and Aaliyah Edwards had a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds.
Game flow
Toronto controlled much of the first half, taking a 44-40 lead into halftime. The Tempo extended their advantage to 66-61 after three quarters before the Mercury took over.
"We had a great game plan and executed for three quarters," said Tempo head coach James Wade. "But Phoenix showed why they're a championship-caliber team in that fourth quarter."
The Mercury shot 52 percent from the field in the final quarter while holding Toronto to just 31 percent shooting.
What's next
The Tempo (5-8) will look to bounce back when they host the Las Vegas Aces on Tuesday. The Mercury (9-4) continue their road trip against the Chicago Sky on Sunday.
