The Phoenix Mercury are keeping it real for the 2025 season, but their playoff hopes are riding on one key player getting back to her superstar self. Satou Sabally, the All-Star forward, started the season like a house on fire. But a recent rough patch has fans holding their breath.
With the Mercury sitting at 16-12, fourth in the WNBA standings, they’re in the playoff hunt. However, their deep run depends on Sabally shaking off her slump and shining bright again.
Satou Sabally’s Form Couldn’t Have Come Better For Mercury
It’s been a wild ride lately for Sabally and the Mercury. She missed a game against the Chicago Sky for personal reasons. And just before that, coach Nate Tibbetts benched her during a loss to the Atlanta Dream for not bringing enough energy.
Her recent dip is a little more than just a personal struggle. Her getting back to an All-Star level is non-negotiable for the Mercury’s playoff chances.
POTD #2⭐️ Satou Sabally Over 23.5 PRA
— Gloh (@GlohProps) August 7, 2025
▫️IND are allowing the 5th most points to the Small Forward position.
▫️Cleared her L4/4 games vs IND averaging 39.5 PRA when playing 25+ minutes. Was limited minutes last matchup vs IND but should see more minutes today.
▫️IND are… pic.twitter.com/FRPLxQhZOm
Before her ankle injury sidelined her for the All-Star Game, she was averaging a stellar 17.2 points per game. But in the five games post-break before her Chicago absence, she slumped to 10.4 points, and the Mercury went a rough 1-4.
Despite all this, she can draw defenders and create open shots for teammates like Kahleah Copper and Alyssa Thomas. And that’s exactly what makes Phoenix’s offense click. When she’s off, the whole team feels it.
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So, how does Mercury get Sabally back to her best? The answer might lie in another star stepping up to share the load.
Mercury Can Lean On Copper To Lighten The Load On Satou Sabally
The fix for Sabally’s slump might be simpler than it seems. Tibbets letting Kahleah Copper take on more could be one apparent solution. Copper, another All-Star, is hitting 37.6% from three and averaging 22.1 points. She is a perfect candidate to ease Sabally’s offensive burden.
By shifting some playmaking to Copper, Sabally can focus on finding her rhythm without carrying the whole team. It’s a tweak that could unlock Phoenix’s full potential.
Other playoff contenders like Minnesota and New York are stacking their rosters, but the Mercury’s biggest “acquisition” could be Sabally rediscovering her groove. With DeWanna Bonner adding veteran savvy, Phoenix has the pieces to make noise. If Sabally can stay healthy and get back to dropping 20-point games, the Mercury might just surprise everyone.