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Watch: Kahleah Copper gets into trouble for throwing ball at Nigerian player as game ends
Kahleah Copper got into trouble during the final moments of the Team USA vs Nigeria game of the 2024 Paris Olympics. The guard for the Phoenix Mercury threw the ball at guard Ezinne Kalu to let her know that she wasn't happy with what she did in the game's closing seconds.
During the game's final moments, Team USA was already leading and Copper didn't see a reason for them to run up the score. She dribbled the ball until the shot clock expired as a sign of good sportsmanship. The clock expired, which meant Nigeria had the final possession of the game.
Unlike Copper, Kalu used the final seconds to score. She drove to the basket and made a layup. In response, the Mercury point guard threw the ball at her opponent and the two had to be separated by the referee. Upon review, the officials ruled a technical foul on the USA's guard as it hit the Nigerian player's leg.
Watch the video below to see the sequence.
After the free throws made by the Nigerian team, the game quickly ended. Team USA got the win (88-74) to advance to the semifinal round. They will face Australia in the next round, which puts them closer to winning the gold medal.
How did Kahleah Copper perform against Nigeria?
Kahleah Copper had decent production off the bench. Copper played for 11 minutes and finished with five points and three rebounds. Her efficiency in the field wasn't impressive as she went 2-6. Four of her attempts were from the three-point area and she only knocked down one.
In the WNBA, Copper has appeared in 25 games in the first half of the season. She's averaged 23.2 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists for the Mercury. Her production this season has also helped her earn her fourth All-Star appearance.
On Feb. 6, 2024, Kahleah Copper was traded by the Chicago Sky to the Mercury in exchange for Michaela Onyenwere, Brianna Turner, the 2024 No. 3 pick, a 2025 second-round pick (from CHI), a 2026 first-round pick and the right to swap 2026 second round.
Which players stepped up against Nigeria?
The bright spot for Team USA was A'ja Wilson. She finished the game with 20 points, 11 rebounds and two blocks. Wilson found her groove in the game with her 9-11 shooting from the field.
Wilson's frontcourt mate, Breanna Stewart, also had a decent outing in the game. Stewie finished with 13 points, five rebounds and three assists.
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