Phoenix Mercury Forward Satou Sabally Out for Personal Reasons

Phoenix, Arizona – Phoenix Mercury forward Satou Sabally has been ruled out for the foreseeable future due to personal reasons, as announced by head coach Nate Tibbetts prior to the team’s game on Sunday.

The three-time All-Star was scratched from the lineup just hours before the match against the Chicago Sky, which the Mercury won 83-67. “She’s out for personal reasons,” Tibbetts said. “We support her through this time, and are excited to get her back when she’s ready.” Sabally had previously played in a loss against the Atlanta Dream but Tibbetts clarified that her leave was not related to her performance or injuries.

Sabally, 27, has struggled this season since suffering an ankle injury that caused her to miss the All-Star game. She has recorded 20 or more points in nine of her 18 games, but hasn’t reached that mark since a game on July 3.

Despite her absence, the Mercury continued to show strength with veteran players such as Alyssa Thomas and Kahleah Copper leading the way. Thomas achieved a triple-double with 10 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists on Sunday, while Copper tallied 25 points, contributing to the team’s victory.

The Mercury are now 16-11, placing them in second place in the Western Conference, 6.5 games behind the Minnesota Lynx. They recently completed a five-game road trip with a record of 2-3 and will play their next four games at home starting against the Connecticut Sun.

As the season progresses, Phoenix must maintain a .500 record to qualify for the playoffs, making Sabally’s return critical for the team’s success. She has participated in 23 games, the second-most in her six-season career.

The Mercury’s next game is scheduled for August 5 against the Sun at 7 p.m. at PHX Arena.