CHICAGO — With All-Star forward Satou Sabally out for personal reasons, Kalani Brown stepped into the starting lineup for the Phoenix Mercury and helped deliver an 83-67 win over the Chicago Sky.
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Aug 3, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Lexi Held (1) drives to the basket against Chicago Sky guard Hailey Van Lith (2) during the first half at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
“This is a personal matter,” Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts said during the pre-game presser. “… We support [Sabally] through this time and are excited to get her back when she’s ready.”
Aug 3, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Phoenix Mercury center Kalani Brown (21) battles for the ball with Chicago Sky guard Rachel Banham (24) during the first half at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
With Sabally’s absence, Brown was able to make her first start of the season. After being out for a few games on the road trip due to a coach’s decision, Brown came off the bench on Friday against the Atlanta Dream and started against the Sky.
Brown scored five points and had nine rebounds in Sunday’s win.
Aug 3, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2) drives to the basket against the Chicago Sky during the first half at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Guard Kahleah Copper complimented Brown on her professionalism and how hard it can be not to play every game.
“It’s always just being ready, you know,” Copper said after the game. “Preparation meeting opportunity. [Brown] got the opportunity to go out there and show us what she can do. We know what she’s capable of… We know that whenever, whoever, name is called, they’re going to come in and make an impact. Whatever that looks like.”
Aug 3, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Phoenix Mercury center Kalani Brown (21) warms up before a WNBA game against the Chicago Sky at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Brown could have made a case to see more playing time in future games. She brings size to the team and has a knack for blocking shots. Even without playing for many minutes the past few weeks, Brown has shown that she can be a powerful asset whenever she comes into the game.
With the playoffs just around the corner, there could come a point when it becomes a full team effort — with the center involved more minutes.
When asked if Brown would be included in more rotations due to her performance against the Sky, Tibbetts said it would be on a “case-by-case” basis.
“Unfortunately for some of our players, their minutes are going to be less,” Tibbetts said. “Some aren’t going to play that have played in the past because of injuries, but Kalani did a great job today. She stepped up when we needed her. This was a big physical team, and she did a great job.”
First five in Chicago! pic.twitter.com/34gJDQN0JH
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) August 3, 2025
Brown has shown she takes nothing to heart, wanting the best for her team despite her circumstances — a true professional.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
