Phoenix Mercury salvage road trip without key starter against Chicago Sky

The win comes after a two-game slide for the Mercury, going back to aggressive defense to create more offensive opportunities. The headline before the game was that All-Star Satou Sabally was ruled out just hours before tip-off due to personal reasons.

“This is a personal matter,” Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts said during the pre-game presser. “… We support [Sabally] through this time and are excited to get her back when she’s ready.”

With Sabally’s absence, Brown was able to make her first start of the season. After being out for a few games on the road trip due to a coach’s decision, Brown came off the bench on Friday against the Atlanta Dream and started against the Sky.

Brown scored five points and had nine rebounds in Sunday’s win.

Guard Kahleah Copper complimented Brown on her professionalism and how hard it can be not to play every game.

“It’s always just being ready, you know,” Copper said after the game. “Preparation meeting opportunity. [Brown] got the opportunity to go out there and show us what she can do. We know what she’s capable of… We know that whenever, whoever, name is called, they’re going to come in and make an impact. Whatever that looks like.”

When asked if Brown would be included in more rotations due to her performance against the Sky, Tibbetts said it would be on a “case-by-case” basis.

“Unfortunately for some of our players, their minutes are going to be less,” Tibbetts said. “Some aren’t going to play that have played in the past because of injuries, but Kalani did a great job today. She stepped up when we needed her. This was a big physical team, and she did a great job.”

The Phoenix Mercury will now return home to begin a four-game homestand, starting against the Connecticut Sun on Tuesday, Aug. 5.