Sami struggles, Sabally keeps Mercury unbeaten

• WNBL MVP Sami Whitcomb is working on finding her range at the start of the WNBA season
• Phoenix Mercury are 2-0 after beating the Los Angeles Sparks by three points at home
• Satou Sabally scored 25 points to keep the Mercury unbeaten.

Satou Sabally's stellar 25-point performance helped Phoenix maintain their perfect start to the season as the Mercury (2-0) beat the Los Angeles Sparks (1-2) 89-86 at their home arena on Thursday, May 22, 2025.

Australian Opals point guard Sami Whitcomb struggled from the field, finishing with seven points on 1-from-7 from the field. Her only make was a three. She made 3-of-4 from the line.

Whitcomb is working on finding her rhythm with her new club after signing with Mercury before the start of training camp.

Key Details

• Result: Phoenix Mercury 89 def. Los Angeles Sparks 86
• When: 22nd May 2025
• Where: Phoenix, Arizona
• Standings: Phoenix Mercury | Los Angeles Sparks

By the Numbers

• Satou Sabally (Phoenix) starred with 25 points, five rebounds, three assists, three steals, and one block in 29 minutes.
• Kelsey Plum (Los Angeles) scored 25 points, and had three rebounds, six assists, two steals, and one block in 40 minutes.

What Happened

The Mercury established an early advantage, leading 23-19 after the first quarter before the Sparks responded with a strong second period. Los Angeles outscored Phoenix 27-19 in the second quarter to take a 46-42 lead into halftime, with Kelsey Plum contributing 14 first-half points.

Phoenix came out of the break with renewed defensive intensity, dominating the third quarter 24-7. This crucial stretch saw Sabally score nine points while the Mercury's defence limited the Sparks to just three made field goals in the period. The 17-point quarter differential proved decisive as Phoenix built a 66-53 lead heading into the final frame.

Los Angeles mounted a furious comeback attempt in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Mercury 33-23. Plum scored 11 points in the final period, but her eight turnovers throughout the game ultimately proved costly for the Sparks. Despite cutting the deficit to just three points in the closing seconds, Phoenix held on for the victory.

Azura Stevens delivered an outstanding performance for the Sparks with 23 points and 17 rebounds on efficient 7-from-12 shooting. Her frontcourt dominance, particularly on the glass, kept Los Angeles competitive throughout. Meanwhile, Alyssa Thomas contributed 19 points, five rebounds, seven assists, one steal, and two blocks for Phoenix, showcasing her all-around abilities.

The difference came down to Phoenix's advantage in key statistical categories. The Mercury recorded eight steals to the Sparks' four and seven blocks to Los Angeles' three. These defensive plays helped Phoenix overcome Los Angeles' slight rebounding edge (37-33) and establish control during the pivotal third quarter.