Latest news with #SatouSabally
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Returning Kahleah Copper is Mercury's final piece of ‘death lineup'
The post Returning Kahleah Copper is Mercury's final piece of 'death lineup' appeared first on ClutchPoints. From the moment Alyssa Thomas and Satou Sabally joined the Phoenix Mercury, Kahleah Copper was in elite company. Together, the three of them create a death lineup that could take the league by storm. Advertisement However, Sunday's game against the Las Vegas Aces marked the first time all three players played together this season. After all, Copper missed the beginning of the Mercury's season after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery. Not to mention, Thomas missed five games with a left calf issue. As a result, Sabally has been the most consistent presence on the court of the three, even with her checkered injury history. In Las Vegas, though, the three stepped on the court together for the first time. Even with Copper only playing 19 minutes, she posted 11 points and showed that her injury worries were a thing of the past. Advertisement Meanwhile, Thomas posted another double-double and had 13 assists. To make things sweeter, Sabally had another 20+ point performance in Sin City. An 8-4 record is impressive, and the team is 1-0 with Copper playing alongside her two new superstar teammates. It's a one-game sample size, but there is reason to be excited for Phoenix's future. The so-called 'death lineup' highlights versatility, elite scoring, playmaking, and a concerted effort on the defensive side of the ball. Still, more pieces to the puzzle go beyond what statistics say. Kahleah Copper is the Mercury's leader of the death lineup © Candice Ward-Imagn Images Although Phoenix has Thomas and Sabally leading in their unique ways, the former Rutgers star is different. During the Mercury's training camp, Copper's leadership was her key area for improvement. Advertisement During her time playing in Unrivaled over the offseason, there were moments of her taking control in a huddle, after a play, or simply navigating which players needed to be talked to differently. Even center Natasha Mack praised Copper's leadership ability and credited her patience in growing with her and other players on the team. Head coach Nate Tibbetts has consistently given her flowers for rallying everyone together. Even though she was sidelined to start the season, she attended every one of Phoenix's games. In huddles, she was hyping up Thomas, Sabally, and the rest of her team. The culture starts with Copper, as she and Tibbetts have a clear understanding of where the team can go. Advertisement The championship expectations within the Mercury organization are as old as the day. The franchise itself has three titles. Still, Copper has one, and the other two stars are searching for their first. An aligned pursuit of the best prize in the WNBA is at the forefront of everyone's mind, and having Copper as the clear leader throughout the journey will be a major boost. Kahleah Copper can be the Mercury's top scorer © Kirby Lee-Imagn Images While Sabally is leading the team in scoring, Copper's ability is otherworldly. She's consistent when it comes to attacking the basket and getting downhill with authority. She and Thomas will have a field day in transition. That, combined with Sabally's inside-out game, makes a true three-headed monster that's hotter than the Phoenix heat. Advertisement The Mercury's +2.2 net rating so far this season is impressive, especially when considering the number of injuries the team has had. No matter who has been on the court, the team's defense has been outstanding, only allowing 77.6 points per game. And while there has been a lack of offensive firepower at times, bringing back one of the top scorers in the WNBA will put a stamp on that side of the ball. Having a playmaker in Thomas and a dual threat in Sabally should help create wide-open lanes for Copper to get plenty of looks at the basket and free-throw attempts if she gets fouled. Her fluidity in the schematics might be a work in progress as she advances in game speed. Once that comes, the league might have to start worrying about what's brewing in the Valley of the Sun.
Associated Press
12 hours ago
- Sport
- Associated Press
Phoenix visits Chicago following Akoa Makani's 21-point game
Phoenix Mercury (10-4, 6-4 Western Conference) at Chicago Sky (3-8, 1-6 Eastern Conference) Chicago; Saturday, 1 p.m. EDT BOTTOM LINE: Phoenix Mercury visits the Chicago Sky after Monique Akoa Makani scored 21 points in the Mercury's 89-81 victory over the New York Liberty. The Sky have gone 1-3 in home games. Chicago is fifth in the Eastern Conference at limiting opponent scoring, allowing 86.3 points while holding opponents to 46.0% shooting. The Mercury are 4-2 in road games. Phoenix ranks eighth in the WNBA with 33.8 rebounds per game. Satou Sabally paces the Mercury with 8.5. Chicago's average of 6.4 made 3-pointers per game is 1.4 fewer made shots on average than the 7.8 per game Phoenix allows. Phoenix averages 80.5 points per game, 5.8 fewer points than the 86.3 Chicago allows to opponents. The teams meet for the second time this season. The Mercury won 94-89 in the last matchup on May 28. Sabally led the Mercury with 20 points, and Ariel Atkins led the Sky with 21 points. TOP PERFORMERS: Atkins is averaging 12.6 points, 3.5 assists and 1.8 steals for the Sky. Kamilla Cardoso is averaging 11.5 points and 7.1 rebounds over the past 10 games. Alyssa Thomas is averaging 14.8 points, 7.7 rebounds, nine assists and 1.8 steals for the Mercury. Sabally is averaging 19.5 points over the last 10 games. LAST 10 GAMES: Sky: 3-7, averaging 77.0 points, 35.7 rebounds, 19.6 assists, 7.5 steals and 3.5 blocks per game while shooting 42.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 85.6 points per game. Mercury: 7-3, averaging 81.9 points, 34.2 rebounds, 20.3 assists, 8.5 steals and 4.0 blocks per game while shooting 42.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 80.3 points. INJURIES: Sky: Moriah Jefferson: out (leg), Courtney Vandersloot: out for season (acl). Mercury: Megan McConnell: out (knee). ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Phoenix visits Chicago following Akoa Makani's 21-point game
Phoenix Mercury (10-4, 6-4 Western Conference) at Chicago Sky (3-8, 1-6 Eastern Conference) Chicago; Saturday, 1 p.m. EDT BOTTOM LINE: Phoenix Mercury visits the Chicago Sky after Monique Akoa Makani scored 21 points in the Mercury's 89-81 victory over the New York Liberty. Advertisement The Sky have gone 1-3 in home games. Chicago is fifth in the Eastern Conference at limiting opponent scoring, allowing 86.3 points while holding opponents to 46.0% shooting. The Mercury are 4-2 in road games. Phoenix ranks eighth in the WNBA with 33.8 rebounds per game. Satou Sabally paces the Mercury with 8.5. Chicago's average of 6.4 made 3-pointers per game is 1.4 fewer made shots on average than the 7.8 per game Phoenix allows. Phoenix averages 80.5 points per game, 5.8 fewer points than the 86.3 Chicago allows to opponents. The teams meet for the second time this season. The Mercury won 94-89 in the last matchup on May 28. Sabally led the Mercury with 20 points, and Ariel Atkins led the Sky with 21 points. Advertisement TOP PERFORMERS: Atkins is averaging 12.6 points, 3.5 assists and 1.8 steals for the Sky. Kamilla Cardoso is averaging 11.5 points and 7.1 rebounds over the past 10 games. Alyssa Thomas is averaging 14.8 points, 7.7 rebounds, nine assists and 1.8 steals for the Mercury. Sabally is averaging 19.5 points over the last 10 games. LAST 10 GAMES: Sky: 3-7, averaging 77.0 points, 35.7 rebounds, 19.6 assists, 7.5 steals and 3.5 blocks per game while shooting 42.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 85.6 points per game. Mercury: 7-3, averaging 81.9 points, 34.2 rebounds, 20.3 assists, 8.5 steals and 4.0 blocks per game while shooting 42.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 80.3 points. Advertisement INJURIES: Sky: Moriah Jefferson: out (leg), Courtney Vandersloot: out for season (acl). Mercury: Megan McConnell: out (knee). ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Camera Catches Adorable Moment Between WNBA Sisters on Thursday
Camera Catches Adorable Moment Between WNBA Sisters on Thursday originally appeared on Athlon Sports. A heartwarming moment between two WNBA sisters was caught on camera Thursday night at Barclays Center, and fans can't stop talking about it. Advertisement Before the Phoenix Mercury took on the New York Liberty, sisters Satou Sabally and Nyara Sabally met in the arena tunnel. They shared an emotional hug that melted hearts across social media. The moment was made even more special because it was their first time seeing each other since Christmas. Satou Sabally, who plays for the Mercury, ran toward her younger sister with open arms, her heels echoing in the hallway. Nyara Sabally, waiting with a big smile, held out her arms to catch her. Phoenix Mercury forward Satou Sabally (0).Steven Bisig-Imagn Images 'We don't see each other that often,' Nyara Sabally said before the game, per the New York Post. 'So it's just cool seeing each other again. Obviously, it's fun.' Advertisement The WNBA shared the reunion clip online and fans flooded the comments with love and admiration for the pair. 'Awwww they so cute little sis big sis 😢😍,' one fan wrote. 'They are sooo cute together. Love that sisterly bond,' another said. People didn't just love the hug, they also loved their fashion. Nyara Sabally wore a strapless floor-length dress with layered denim details, paired with a small handbag and black heels. Satou Sabally sported a denim corset top and matching loose pants with patchwork, along with white sneakers. 'They are both so beautiful and I love their outfits 😍,' a fan gushed. Advertisement 'Fits are incredible,' said another. 'Look at my beautiful runway model,' another chimed in. Even the competition angle made fans smile. 'That's awesome and they seem so close and happy together… until the game starts – lol,' one comment read. The matchup between the Liberty and Mercury was highly anticipated, but for many, the Sabally sisters' heartfelt moment stole the show. Related: WNBA Star Catches Attention in Bold Birthday Outfit This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 20, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
18 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Paige Bueckers Praised for What She Did After 35-Point Game
Paige Bueckers Praised for What She Did After 35-Point Game originally appeared on Athlon Sports. After missing four consecutive games due to a concussion and illness, Paige Bueckers came back with a bang on Wednesday night. Advertisement In just the seventh game of her career after being selected No. 1 overall in the 2025 WNBA Draft, the Dallas Wings guard dropped 35 points — a new career high that may take a while to top. Bueckers did it with trademark efficiency, shooting 13-for-19 from the field, 5-for-7 from three and 4-for-5 from the free throw line. She also added six rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block. However, it was not enough to prevent a 93-80 loss to the Phoenix Mercury as Dallas dropped to 1-10 on the season and 0-4 in the WNBA Commissioner's Cup. Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) reacts against the Phoenix J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Bueckers could have made the career night about herself, but the 23-year-old rookie got praise for doing the exact opposite right after the game. Advertisement As the players exited the court, Wings guard DiJonai Carrington was having words with Mercury forward Satou Sabally and held her hand up toward the camera to cover her face. Sabally played her first five WNBA seasons in Dallas before being dealt to Phoenix this offseason in a four-team trade that involved Carrington. Bueckers noticed Carrington's desire to avoid the attention and stepped in front of the camera to give her teammate privacy, and fans loved how the former UConn star protected her teammate. "Paige's emotional IQ is one of the things I admire most from her," said one user on X. "Paige is such a good person," echoed another. "Just effortlessly gets it and always shows compassion." "A real one," a fan said of Bueckers. Advertisement "The way paige done had dijonai back from the start mean something to me," praised one user. "Year one & bueckers already acting like a 10 veteran I see you." The gesture came at a particularly sensitive time for Carrington, who revealed on her Instagram story Wednesday afternoon that it was her first time in Phoenix without her grandfather, who "literally came to every game." Related: Azzi Fudd's Personal Message to Paige Bueckers is Turning Heads Related: Stephanie White Makes Proposal After Fever Loss Without Caitlin Clark This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 12, 2025, where it first appeared.
