PHOENIX — A tense third-quarter moment in Sunday’s WNBA matchup between the Phoenix Mercury and the Washington Mystics took an unexpected turn when Phoenix star Kahleah Copper abruptly ran off the court after her wig was accidentally removed during play.
With the Mercury leading 55-53, a screen was being set for Copper when the whistle blew and play was stopped. Copper was seen clutching her head as she quickly exited to the locker room.
Broadcast footage showed Copper running with urgency after the incident, which replay confirmed was caused by Mystics guard Jade Melbourne. As Melbourne came off the screen, her arm appeared to dislodge Copper’s wig, pulling it off mid-play.
The moment briefly stunned players and fans, though Copper later returned to the game.
The Phoenix Mercury went on to win the contest, but the incident became one of the most talked-about moments of the night.
Kahleah Copper’s sudden mid-game exit after her wig was pulled off sparked surprise during the Mercury’s win over the Mystics.