The Phoenix Mercury falling to the Las Vegas Aces in Game 1 of the WNBA Finals might not have been a big surprise to anyone. For people watching the game, it was strange how they squandered a lead. But it wasn't strange to Kahleah Copper and Nate Tibbetts.

Both saw the Aces switch to a zone defense that gave them problems throughout the regular season. However, the first half was a much different story.

Phoenix was using an inverted pick-and-roll to give Alyssa Thomas the chance for an easy basket or for her teammates. Funny enough, Copper tied a Mercury franchise record with five made 3-point shots in the opening half.

After that, Las Vegas didn't let Phoenix obtain anything easily. That zone defense became a nuisance, and it forced a barrage of shots late in the shot clock and squ

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