Mercury must lean on depth and composure without Sabally in Game 4

Sabally’s injury comes at a critical time, with one of the team’s leading scorers unavailable for a potential elimination game as the Mercury trail the Las Vegas Aces 3-0 in the best-of-seven series.

What changes should Phoenix make in a critical Game 4 matchup?

Head coach Nate Tibbetts has employed an eight-player rotation throughout the playoffs, with key pieces complementing the team’s big three. Without Sabally, it’s unknown if Tibbetts will expand the rotation or play it close with the seven remaining players.

If he chooses to expand the rotation, that allows less pressure on the starters and bench. Kahleah Copper and Alyssa Thomas have been playing well in the series, but losing a player averaging 19.0 points a game leaves a hole that needs to be filled. Seven players may not be enough to keep everyone fresh and ready.

While Games 1 and 2 saw little production from its bench, Phoenix saw a breakthrough with DeWanna Bonner in Game 3. She had 25 points and was responsible for several plays that contributed to the team’s rally. Kathryn Westbeld and Sami Whitcomb have yet to make a significant impact in the series, and without their shooting, the Mercury have struggled to stop key runs by the Aces.

Both players need to find a way to sink their shots in, especially the wide-open ones. Now is the time for Westbeld and Whitcomb to make the impact the Mercury need out of them.

With offense comes defense, and Phoenix has yet to find a way to slow down Las Vegas. While Game 1 showed promise, the Mercury looked overwhelmed on defense in Game 2 and much of Game 3. It wasn’t until the fourth quarter on Wednesday that Phoenix showed flashes of its defensive identity, but by then, it was too late.

Overall, the Mercury need to approach this game with urgency, but without forcing plays. They must stay composed, limit fouls, hit timely shots and adjust defensively as the game unfolds.

If Phoenix wants to extend this series, the team can’t look for its next Sabally. The team needs all hands on deck and to rise together.

The Phoenix Mercury and the Las Vegas Aces play Game 4 of the WNBA Finals on Friday, Oct. 10, at 5 p.m.

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