In a year where ESPN.com predicted that the Phoenix Mercury will stutter their way to a seventh-place finish in the regular season standings, the franchise has started the 2025 WNBA campaign with a point to prove by emphatically winning five of their opening seven matchups.
After losing the dominant Brittney Griner to the Atlanta Dream and the legendary Diana Taurasi to retirement in the offseason, this was expected to be a transitional year for the three-time WNBA champions. The fate of the franchise appeared to be confirmed as the vital trio of Natasha Mack, Alyssa Thomas, and Kahleah Cooper were tragically added to Phoenix's injury list for the foreseeable future.
However, one talented superstar has taken it upon herself to shoulder the responsibility of elevating her new employers back to the dizzying heights of the WNBA.
Satou Sabally ignites hope within the Phoenix fanbase
Sabally was acquired from the Dallas Wings in a complex four-team trade that included Phoenix, Dallas, Indiana, and Connecticut. It could not be predicted what level of impact the 27-year-old could have on a franchise that was entering a new era after a disappointing 2024 campaign, in which Sabally was restricted to just 15 games last season due to offseason shoulder surgery.
Despite being plagued with fitness issues in the previous season, the forward has ignited the hopes of the "Valley of the Sun" fanbase with a string of remarkable performances to start the year. Sabally has averaged 21.3 points while shooting 40.3% from the floor and eight rebounds as she has propelled the Mercury to fourth in the regular season standings.
In addition to being an inspiration to her colleagues on the offensive end of the floor, the Oregon graduate has showcased her brilliant defensive capabilities, stealing the ball 15 times in just seven games and also blocking five shot attempts.
A mammoth second-half comeback versus the Los Angeles Sparks in their previous fixture epitomised the incredible impact that Sabally has had on the dwindling franchise. Phoenix's newest star player ended the night by registering 24 points, nine rebounds, two assists, and four steals in 32 minutes on the floor.
The former Dallas forward was the catalyst in a game in which the Mercury were trailing at the halftime interval by 13 points (37-50). However, after scoring 12 second-half points and registering two steals, Sabally and her tenacious teammates sensationally changed the trajectory of the tie and clawed their way back to an 85-80 victory.
It is, of course, still the early stages of a long and physically draining WNBA calendar year in which any shocking circumstance can change a franchise's ambitions in an instant, but for now, the Phoenix Mercury fanbase and Satou Satally will be ecstatic with the way this newfound relationship is panning out.