PHOENIX — Phoenix Mercury star Satou Sabally has been ruled out of Game 4 of the WNBA Finals after sustaining a concussion during Game 3 on Wednesday, the team announced in a press release.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Sabally’s injury has sparked questions about how the league handles head and neck injuries.
Oct 8, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Satou Sabally (0) falls to the ground against the Las Vegas Aces in the second half during game three of the 2025 WNBA Finals at PHX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Sabally was injured in the second half of the game, trying to catch a rebound when she fell face-first into Las Vegas Aces forward Kierstan Bell’s knee. She was unable to get off the court under her own power and was eventually helped to the locker room by a trainer and teammate Kalani Brown.
Fans online, including medical professionals, voiced their displeasure with how Sabally’s injury was handled, particularly the apparent lack of care when she was down.
12:43 AM and I still can’t believe they let Satou Sabally walk to the locker room after that fall. Not a wheelchair or stretcher in sight.
— christan (no i), ß (@ChristanWNBA) October 9, 2025
Back to Napheesa Collier’s comment, the fact that Satou Sabally walked out like she did, after the injuries she suffered, is proof of the negligence of those responsible for the players’ safety. https://t.co/y6CGs6ojML
— Serge Katz (@sk_serge) October 9, 2025
absolutely distressing to see the phx mercury did not even attempt to get satou sabally’s head, neck, and spine stabilized after that insane blow. even as a lifeguard when i was a teenager it’s the first thing you learn to do for a head injury let alone a crack in the neck!!!!!
— Jeens R. Pasdaun (@binguslingus11) October 9, 2025
I’m still reeling from the entire mercury staff deciding the best course of action was to have Satou Sabally walk off the floor minutes after sustaining a head or neck injury when she could barely stand and probably should have on a stretcher ????? tf
— a ✨ (@bansidesomis) October 9, 2025
They don’t have wheelchairs in the WNBA? Why tf they trying to make Satou Sabally stand and walk? Come tf on man smfh.
— Pauly with a Y (@PaulyBlackk) October 9, 2025
Dr. Jess Schwartz, an orthopedic residency-trained doctor of physical therapy and brain injury survivor, posted on X (formerly Twitter), highlighting several failures by the medical team in assisting the Mercury star.
“I hope we do better for the future,” Dr. Schwartz said. “My prayers go out to Satou Sabally and her family.”
🧠💥 Satou Sabally WNBA FINALS MEDICAL COMMENTARY: SIDELINE CARE MATTERS 🚑
During today’s @wnba Finals, forward Satou Sabally sustained a serious injury to her head and neck that was rotational and compressive in nature coupled with a direct hit to one of the most vulnerable… pic.twitter.com/xxdNzIP4h4
— 🚴🏻♀️🧠🎙 Jess Schwartz DPT, CSCS 👩🏻⚕️🗽🎾 (@DPT2Go) October 9, 2025
Oct 8, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Satou Sabally (0) is rendered aid by the training staff after falling to the ground against the Las Vegas Aces in the second half during game three of the 2025 WNBA Finals at PHX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Sabally’s injury has resurfaced Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier’s comments about the league not giving players the attention and care they need. This season has seen a rise in injuries, with officiating criticized for not meeting the standard needed to keep players safe.
The events of Game 3 highlighted the league’s lack of preparedness in responding to serious injuries of this caliber. With the CBA deadline looming at the end of October, there’s no doubt that what happened on Wednesday will be another key issue to address.
Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson (22) celebrates a made shot as Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2) looks on during Game 3 of the WNBA Finals at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 8, 2025. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Throughout the playoffs, Sabally averaged 19.0 points, 7.0 rebounds and 2.5 assists. Losing a vital player like her will definitely impact how the team moves forward for Friday’s game.
The Mercury are fighting to stay alive in this best-of-seven series, down 0-3 against the Aces. With one player down, it’s unknown if Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts plans to expand his eight-player rotation.
Oct 3, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Phoenix Mercury players react after their team was assessed a technical foul during the third quarter against the Las Vegas Aces in game one of the 2025 WNBA Finals at Michelob Ultra Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
The Phoenix Mercury and the Las Vegas Aces play Game 4 of the WNBA Finals on Friday, Oct. 10, at 5 p.m.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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