Why is Kahleah Copper not playing vs Sun? Looking at reason behind Mercury guard's absence from game (Sept. 13) 

The Phoenix Mercury are quite hobbled entering their matchup against the Connecticut Sun on Friday at Footprint Center after Kahleah Copper was listed as out. Copper joined Rebecca Allen (hamstring injury) and Charisma Osborne (lower leg injury) on the Mercury's injured player list.

Initially, Copper was listed as questionable but has since been downgraded to out.

There's currently not a lot of information available regarding Copper's injury except that it is related to her back. The lack of info suggests that the team may still be looking into the exact nature of her injury and the coaching staff has decided to keep her out as a precaution.

The Mercury have already clinched a playoff berth and keeping their leading scorer off the court to prevent any further injuries is the right choice.

Additionally, there has been no timeline for a potential return for Copper. Her next chance to suit up will be on Sunday against the Chicago Sky at Wintrust Arena.

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Kahleah Copper misses her first game of the season

Ahead of the Mercury's game against the Sun, Kahleah Copper had played in every single one of her team's games this season. That was a total of 36 contests from May 14 to Sept. 7. She was also a starter in each matchup.

Aside from being a starter in all 36 games, she has also played the second-most minutes for the Mercury. Copper has averaged 32.5 minutes per game which is only a minute less than team leader Natasha Howard.

Furthermore, the guard also played for Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics where she won her first Olympic gold medal.

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Kahleah Copper's WNBA season so far

Kahleah Copper, who has been an All-Star every year since 2021, continues to be one of the WNBA's most elite players. Following her trade from the Chicago Sky to the Phoenix Mercury before the start of the 2024 season, Copper has increased her scoring.

In 36 games so far this season, she has averaged 21.6 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists. She is also shooting 43.8% from the field and 31.9% from downtown to go along with an 80.7% clip from the free throw line.

Her scoring average has been the highest of her career so far and it is the first time she is averaging over 20 points per game after a career-high of 18.7 in 2023.

Copper is currently the Mercury's top scorer and the team's third-best rebounder. Mercury fans will certainly hope to see her back on the court as soon as possible.