Mercury make Satou Sabally decision before must-win WNBA Finals Game 4 originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Following a frightening collision with the Aces’ Kierstan Bell in the fourth quarter of Game 3, Mercury forward Satou Sabally’s status for Game 4 of the WNBA Finals has come into question.
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With 4:26 remaining in Wednesday night’s game, Sabally was fouled by Jackie Young while trying to secure a rebound, and the All-Star forward inadvertently collided with Bell’s planted leg under the basket. Sabally stayed down for several minutes and was eventually helped off the floor; she did not return to the game, and she entered concussion protocol after heading down the tunnel to the locker room.
MORE: Mercury under fire for response to scary Satou Sabally injury
As expected, the Mercury confirmed Thursday afternoon that Sabally has been diagnosed with a concussion, and she will miss Game 4 in Phoenix’s Mortgage Matchup Center on Friday — which the Mercury, down 3-0 in the series, must win to keep their 2025 season alive.
Sabally and fellow All-Star forward Alyssa Thomas joined the Mercury as free agents last spring, forming a new “Big Three” alongside Kahleah Copper in the desert. Phoenix made a surprise run to the WNBA Finals, knocking off the and the to return to the championship series for the first time since 2021.
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During the regular season, Sabally averaged 16.3 points and 5.9 rebounds per game, garnering selection to her third All-Star Game and playing a pivotal role as the Mercury eliminated both 2024 WNBA finalists. In the playoffs, Sabally has averaged 19.0 points and 7.0 rebounds; she had racked up 24 points in 32 minutes on Wednesday prior to her exit.
The Mercury on Friday night will try to stave off elimination and force the finals back to Las Vegas when they host the Aces at 8 p.m. ET.
