CHICAGO — — Kahleah Copper scored 29 points in her return to Chicago, Brittney Griner had 23 points, nine rebounds, six assists and five blocks and the Phoenix Mercury beat the short-handed Sky 85-65 on Thursday night.

Copper made 12 of 19 shots in her first game against Chicago since her February transfer. Copper, the 2021 Finals MVP, averaged 12 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.4 assists in her seven seasons with the Sky, including a career-high 18.7 points last year.

Copper scored 13 points on 5 of 8 shooting in the first quarter to help Phoenix take a 30-12 lead. Copper finished the half with 18 points and Griner added 12 to help the Mercury extend their lead to 50-28 at halftime. Chicago hit 11 of 41 shots (27%) in the first half, while Phoenix made 7 of 14 3-point attempts.

The Mercury led by double digits throughout the second half.

Diana Taurasi scored 11 points for Phoenix (14-12). Taurasi and Copper each made three of the Mercury’s 12 3-pointers.

Griner was the first player in franchise history to record at least 20 points, five rebounds, five assists and five blocks in a game.

Chicago (10-15) was without top scorer Chennedy Carter, who was unable to play due to a non-COVID-related illness. It was also the Sky’s first game without guard Marina Mabrey, who was traded to the Connecticut Sun before the Olympic break.

Dana Evans scored 14 points as a substitute to lead Chicago. Angel Reese had 11 points and 15 rebounds and Kamilla Cardoso added 10 points. Rachel Banham, playing in her first game for Chicago, made 3 of 10 field shots for seven points. Moriah Jefferson also played in her first game for Chicago.

With her eight offensive rebounds on Thursday, Reese set a Sky record for most offensive rebounds in a single season, surpassing Sylvia Fowles (117).

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AP WNBA: https://apnews.com/hub/wnba-basketball