Overall, the Phoenix Mercury have enjoyed a strong season. Alyssa Thomas is quietly recording MVP-caliber numbers and the team's 16-10 record is good for second place in the Western Conference and third overall in the WNBA. Satou Sabally, however, saw her slump continue in the Mercury's 107-101 loss to the Indiana Fever on Wednesday.
Sabally was acquired by the Mercury this past offseason. She's played fairly well overall, earning her third career All-Star selection. Sabally's 18.0 points per game is the second highest mark of her career. She is also recording 7.0 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.3 steals per game. However, the Mercury forward's scoring efficiency has been a problem at times, especially in recent action.
Sabally is shooting just 39 percent from the field and 29.6 percent from deep this season. Her 52.1 true shooting percentage is her lowest mark since 2020 (Sabally's rookie season in the WNBA). Over her last ten games, Sabally is averaging 14.0 points per outing while connecting on 34.9 percent of her field goal attempts and 28.6 percent of her long-range shots.
Is there reason for realistic concern, though?
Satou Sabally dealing with shooting slump
The Mercury's decision to acquire Sabally has still been positive overall. She's played well in multiple facets of the game alongside Thomas. Phoenix lost Brittney Griner in free agency and Diana Taurasi to retirement during the offseason, so bringing in Thomas and Sabally was crucial.
If the Mercury want to make a deep postseason run, however, they will need Sabally to increase her efficiency. Defense was an issue against the Fever on Tuesday, but if Sabally had played better than Phoenix could have earned the road win. Thomas dropped 32 points in the loss, while Sabally only contributed nine points on 3-14 shooting from the field and 0-3 shooting from beyond the arc.
Kahleah Copper scored 22 points and Sami Whitcomb added 18, but Sabally's struggles were impossible to ignore in the competitive defeat. The loss was not all Sabally's fault, but there is no denying the fact that Phoenix needs her to play like the All-Star she is.
There is reason for some concern. Sabally's shooting efficiency has not been ideal throughout the 2025 campaign. The Seattle Storm, Atlanta Dream and Fever are closing in on the Mercury in the overall WNBA standings. Phoenix is likely going to reach the postseason, but it remains to be seen which playoff placement they will receive.
In order to clinch the best possible spot, the Mercury will need Satou Sabally to get back on track.