PHOENIX — As the Phoenix Mercury begin to move past their WNBA Finals loss to the Las Vegas Aces, one lingering question sits in many fans’ minds: Why wasn’t Kalani Brown used more down the stretch?
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Oct 10, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury center Kalani Brown (21) drives against Las Vegas Aces forward NaLyssa Smith (3) during the second half of game four of the 2025 WNBA Finals at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Brown’s lack of playing time hasn’t gone unnoticed, as her minutes dwindled in the second half of the season and into the playoffs while the team opted for an eight-player rotation in preparation. Known for her size and interior presence, the 6-foot-7 center saw more action in Game 4 against the Aces as head coach Nate Tibbetts was forced to go deeper into his bench with Satou Sabally ruled out due to a concussion.
In 18 minutes against Las Vegas on Friday, Brown recorded 10 points, four rebounds and made four of her five free-throw attempts. With the team needing a collective effort in the absence of one of its leading scorers in Sabally, Brown helped answer the call.
However, despite her performance, Tibbetts stood by his lineup decisions.
Sep 11, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Phoenix Mercury center Kalani Brown (21) shoots the ball over Dallas Wings guard Haley Jones (30) during the second half at College Park Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
“I don’t think I live with regrets,” Tibbetts said on Saturday after the series, according to Desert Wave Media. “I think as a coach you’re always making difficult decisions.”
Whether or not Brown would have made a huge impact in the playoffs is open for debate, as she averaged 5.1 points and 4.0 rebounds in the regular season. One could argue her defense would have been needed in the series against Las Vegas.
During the Finals, the Mercury allowed an average of 31.8 points in the paint over four games. Tibbetts opted for speed over size, and while that approach kept some games close, Brown’s size and defensive presence could have been a difference-maker.
Oct 10, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson (22) guards Phoenix Mercury center Kalani Brown (21) during the second half of game four of the 2025 WNBA Finals at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
For fans, there’s frustration over Phoenix not utilizing Brown to her full potential. On X (formerly Twitter), many expressed that her rim protection could have changed the series, especially as the Mercury fell into a 3-0 hole against a tough Aces team.
Kalani Brown on the court in spurts with Satou would have made a difference. They wouldn’t have gotten swept! Phoenix needed her rebounding, post presence and she sets amazing CLEAN screens. I would have had her screening @kahleahcopper left going right and played through her
— Sir Duke (@CoachSDuke) October 12, 2025
And this is why the mercury didn’t win a game in the finals this year. How can you not admit when you were CLEARLY wrong. Not playing Kalani Brown had to be the top 3 stupidest thing I’ve ever seen in sports. If you don’t know how to use actual bigs then just say it. Smdh https://t.co/FOFUXyqOaV
— Whitney B.☜ (@whitneybogard3) October 12, 2025
I felt Kalani Brown could’ve helped with rebounding. I also think they need an auxiliary ball handler who will take jump shots.
— Scott (@ScottieScott11) October 12, 2025
I’m annoyed that it took an injury to Satou for Nate to make lineup adjustments and start throwing bodies at A’ja. I thought Kalani Brown did very well given she hasn’t played meaningful minutes in many, many games!
— Amanda Ripstra, CRA, GPC (@AmandaRipstra) October 11, 2025
With the offseason underway, Phoenix is now left with decisions to make as the league awaits its next move. Being just four wins away from a championship has already placed the Mercury on a high pedestal in ESPN’s Way-Too-Early Power Rankings, where they sit at No. 2 behind the top-ranked Aces.
Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) reacts against the Las Vegas Aces late in the fourth quarter in Game Four of the WNBA Finals at Mortgage Matchup Center on Oct. 10, 2025, in Phoenix. © Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Championship hopes remain within reach for the Mercury next season, but this season’s heartbreak in the Finals will leave fans wondering why certain pieces weren’t used to their full potential.
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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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