An unexpected wardrobe malfunction led to some tense moments during Sunday’s WNBA matchup between the Phoenix Mercury and Washington Mystics, when Mercury All-Star guard Kahleah Copper’s wig came off mid-play.
Late in the third quarter, Copper was maneuvering around a screen on offense when her wig unexpectedly flew off. Without hesitation, she grabbed it from the floor and ran toward the locker room as officials called a timeout.
Broadcast commentator Meghan McPeak captured the surprise of the moment in real time: “Oh no… Oh no, she’s going to head to the back. Oh no.”
Shortly after the incident, Mercury players pointed out a fan in the crowd who they said was mocking Copper for the situation. The team alerted the referees, who then notified arena security. The fan was swiftly ejected from the game for unsportsmanlike conduct.
“They made fun of her for the situation on the floor,” one official was overheard saying, emphasizing the need for respectful conduct regardless of the circumstances.
Despite the distraction, Copper and the Mercury remained focused. Phoenix widened their lead to 10 points by the end of the third quarter and went on to secure an 88-72 victory over the Mystics. Alyssa Thomas led the way with 27 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists in a dominant performance.
Copper contributed six points, three rebounds, and three assists in 26 minutes of play.
With the win, the Mercury improved to 16-9, holding the third-best record in the WNBA behind the Minnesota Lynx and New York Liberty.