The Phoenix Mercury edged the Chicago Sky 83–79 at Footprint Center on Thursday, tightening their grip on fourth place in the WNBA standings. Kahleah Copper, celebrating her 31st birthday, poured in 28 points, while reserve forward Natasha Mack delivered her first career double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds. Chicago’s Angel Reese countered with 15 points and a game-high 20 rebounds, but the Sky slipped to 9-29. The victory lifted Phoenix to 24-14 with six games remaining in the regular season. The result puts the Mercury on the brink of securing a postseason berth. Phoenix can clinch a spot as early as Friday if the Seattle Storm lose to the Minnesota Lynx and the New York Liberty beat the Washington Mystics.