PHOENIX — After securing their eighth win of the season against the Las Vegas Aces on Sunday, Phoenix Mercury’s Satou Sabally and Sami Whitcomb credited the team’s trust in one another as the foundation for their success.
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Jun 15, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Satou Sabally (0) battles for a rebound with Las Vegas Aces guard Chelsea Gray (12) during the second quarter at Michelob Ultra Arena. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images
The Mercury have spent most of the season without several key players due to injuries. Sunday’s game marked the closest the team has been to full strength, with Kahleah Copper back in the lineup.
After Sunday’s win, Sabally told reporters that Copper, along with Alyssa Thomas, looked good in their first game back together.
“We got a dub, we’ll continue to be better every game,” she said.
Jun 11, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Sami Whitcomb (33) against the Dallas Wings at PHX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Thomas has been Phoenix’s lead playmaker, and Whitcomb told reporters how much the team values her ability to create plays. She values Thomas’ dynamic approach.
“She finds the open person every time, and it’s really nice to play with such a willing passer,” Whitcomb said. “So yeah, I think the more we can get her the ball, particularly in transition, because she can get downhill. It just makes it really tough on the defense.”
Jun 15, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Lexi Held (1) dribbles against Las Vegas Aces guard Dana Evans (11) in the fourth quarter at Michelob Ultra Arena. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images
Phoenix has relied not only on its starters to set the tone in games but also on those coming off the bench. Whitcomb credited Lexi Held for how she has held herself and often being the catalyst for scoring.
“[Held] makes difficult shots, and she makes them look easy,” said Whitcomb.”… I think she plays with a lot of poise, and to have someone like that for us off the bench is massive.”
Jun 15, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) shoots against Las Vegas Aces center Kiah Stokes (41) in the second quarter at Michelob Ultra Arena. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images
Sabally doesn’t believe starters are the only ones who win games, but also those who come in afterward. Like Whitcomb, she credited Held and the rest of the bench for the energy they bring on and off the court.
“We’re a consistent team,” Sabally said. “I think the final box score will always show that we’re really able to have everyone score… So there’s a lot of trust throughout all players.”
THE ENGINE NEVER STOPS ⚙️
3 straight games with 10+ assists for Alyssa Thomas:
5/27: 15 vs. Chicago
6/11: 10 vs. Dallas
TODAY: 13 vs. Las Vegas#WelcometotheW pic.twitter.com/hamcR84VNt— WNBA (@WNBA) June 16, 2025
Sabally, Whitcomb and the rest of the Phoenix Mercury are back in action against the Connecticut Sun on June 18.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
Kahleah Copper returns for Mercury and fans say the energy changed instantly
