Mercury’s Sug Sutton injured left elbow vs. Mystics, severity undetermined

The Phoenix Mercury ended up victorious 83-80 over a tough Washington Mystics team that caused them problems, but Phoenix fought for the win without one of their key contributors off of the bench.

Already without Brittney Griner to start the season, Sug Sutton sustained a left elbow injury with 3:04 left in the third quarter in Thursday night’s game, according to the Mercury. She would not return and there is currently no information on the severity or if she will miss an upcoming game or games.

When asked about Sutton’s status after the win, Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts was unsure if this would cause her to miss a minimal or significant amount of time.

“Well, it may be a hyperextended elbow, I’m not sure, I haven’t heard, ” Tibbetts said. “I think she wanted to come back, but we were just being safe.

Signing a training camp deal in February, Sutton was just getting back into the groove of things in her second season in the Valley. Through four games, the 5-foot-8 guard is averaging 4.8 points, two assists and 1.8 rebounds per game.

Sutton was the final pick (36th overall) of the 2020 WNBA Draft by the Mystics before Washington waived her at the end of her first season in the league.

Taking a few years away from the WNBA, Phoenix signed her to a training camp deal last season and made the opening night roster. Impressing enough to become a starter last year, the Missouri native played in all 40 games, averaging 8.2 points, 4.8 assists and 2.6 rebounds per game.

Looking to cement herself back into the Mercury’s lineup, this injury against her former team may be a huge blow for the team who would have just nine healthy players and Natasha Cloud at point guard. Sophie Cunningham could play the point to backup Cloud if need be.