Kahleah Copper returned to the WNBA with an Olympic gold medal and a profane moniker courtesy of A'ja Wilson. She live up to both in her first game back with the Phoenix Mercury on Thursday.
The All-Star guard posted 29 points in an 85-65 Mercury win over the Chicago Sky to open the post-Olympic portion of the WNBA season. Brittney Griner, another of the Olympians, contributed 23 points on 10-of-12 shooting with nine rebounds and six assists.
It was going to be a big night for Copper regardless, as she was returning to Wintrust Arena for the first time since being traded to Phoenix after seven seasons in Chicago. She was welcomed with a tribute video and was addressed by her requested title of "MF Olympic gold medalist.