CHICAGO — The Phoenix Mercury look to close out their road trip on a high note against the Chicago Sky on Sunday, hoping for better defense and a bounce-back from All-Star Satou Sabally.
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Aug 1, 2025; College Park, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Dream guard Jordin Canada (3) drives to the basket against Phoenix Mercury forward Kathryn Westbeld (24) during the first half at Gateway Center Arena at College Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
The Mercury have been in a slump for the past few weeks, losing five out of their last six games after their loss to the Atlanta Dream on Aug. 1. Defensive struggles continue for the team, as they gave up a season-high in points against the Indiana Fever on July 3.
After their loss on Friday, head coach Nate Tibbetts compared the struggles to “breakdowns,” unsure why they keep happening.
“We’ve been a step slow ever since the All-Star break, I don’t know,” he said, according to the team’s post-game recording. “For whatever reason, we’ve had a ton of breakdowns… I still really believe in this group. We’re in a tough stretch right now. But we gotta figure it out.”
Phoenix Mercury forward Satou Sabally (0) holds her head on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, during the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Indiana Fever defeated the Phoenix Mercury, 107-101. © Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Another concern is Sabally’s performance since returning from her right ankle injury. Since her return, the All-Star has averaged 10.4 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.6 assists — a stark difference from her hot start at the beginning of the season.
Tibbetts took Sabally out of the game with two minutes left in the second quarter on Friday. She didn’t play in the second half.
“[Sabally] didn’t bring the energy that we needed,” said Tibbetts when asked about what led to his decision. “But, you know, it’s one game. It’s something that we’ll talk about and look at tomorrow as a team.”
Phoenix Mercury guard Sami Whitcomb said it’s the Mercury’s defense that’s led to their recent struggles. #WNBA pic.twitter.com/baWgAv6Xe4
— Desert Wave Media (@DesertWaveCo) August 2, 2025
The Phoenix Mercury and the Chicago Sky will face off on Sunday, Aug. 3 at 3 p.m.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
Phoenix Mercury’s road trip continues to spiral with loss against Atlanta Dream
