The Latest Breaking News from Kahleah Copper

“Hopefully, we opened some eyes to how good it can be and how beneficial it can be for each organization and, most importantly, the community,” Wings president and CEO Greg Bibb said.

The Sky (11-15) shot 55.1% overall and 58.3% from three-point range and finished with 24 assists on 38 field goals.

Five players score in double figures in must-win game against 10th-place Mercury.

Former coach/GM James Wade’s hurried attempt to stop the bleeding in the wake of the departures of Candace Parker, Courtney Vandersloot and Allie Quigley not only failed to prevent a rebuild, but it also poses a realistic hindrance to the Sky’s future success.

Three-time All-Star Kahleah Copper finished with a team-high 17 points after scoring a career-high 37 on Tuesday against the Aces. But Copper alone can’t propel the Sky to the postseason.

“I feel like I’ve been preparing the last eight seasons to be able to be in a role like this and feel OK doing it,” Loyd told the Sun-Times.

To create some separation between themselves and the bottom four teams in the league, the Sky need more cohesion in moments of adversity.

Copper scored 37 points in the Sky’s 107-95 loss at Wintrust Arena.

“You’re going to go through little phases where you’re not playing your best basketball, but you can’t attach your self-worth to it,” Mabrey said.

Former Sky assistant Awvee Storey rejoined the team as director of basketball, strategy and personnel after four seasons on former Sun coach Curt Miller’s staff in Connecticut beginning in 2019.

“Every person wants to play in their hometown, whether it’s playing there for college, whatever it is.” said Loyd, who played high school ball at Niles West. “There’s always a different feel. . . . At the same time, I’ve only known the Seattle Storm my whole [WNBA career].’’