The Phoenix Mercury will enter their Sunday afternoon game against the Los Angeles Sparks without forward Alyssa Thomas, sidelined due to a left calf injury. Thomas, who earned All-WNBA first-team honors in the last two seasons, did not travel with the team, leaving a significant gap in Phoenix’s lineup ahead of this matchup.
Coach Nate Tibbetts confirmed her absence but did not provide any updates on her recovery prior to the game. Thomas’ aggressive playstyle and dependable presence have been key to the Mercury’s success, and her unavailability represents a substantial challenge for the team, who are now 4-2 after a narrow 74-71 loss against the Minnesota Lynx just two days earlier.
Phoenix Mercury coach Nate Tibbetts did not provide an update on Alyssa Thomas’ left calf injury.Thomas is out Sunday against the Los Angeles Sparks. #WNBA pic.twitter.com/8t1pYowLHf— Desert Wave Media (@DesertWaveCo) June 1, 2025
Team Depth Tested as Mercury Lose Two Key Players from Their “Big 3”
In addition to Thomas, the Mercury are still without Kahleah Copper, who remains sidelined with a knee injury expected to keep her out for several weeks. The absence of two critical members from their core lineup poses a significant setback, echoing recent injury struggles familiar to local fans of the Phoenix Suns. The Mercury’s roster is now called upon to step up, including rookies Monique Akoa Makani, Kitija Laksa, and Kathryn Westbeld, who have impressed with their poise and effort in recent games.
New Addition Haley Jones Joins Mercury Through Hardship Contract
With a roster stretched thin, the Mercury added Haley Jones, formerly of the Atlanta Dream, on a hardship contract to bolster their lineup. Jones brings experience from starting 34 of her 40 games in the previous season, contributing averages of 3.9 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in about 18 minutes per game. This move aims to provide additional depth as the Mercury face the Sparks and possibly more injuries.
Coach Tibbetts expressed optimism about Jones’ fit with the team shortly after her arrival, highlighting her potential contributions.
She’s a player that we’ve liked the last couple of years,
Tibbetts said.
We just thought it’d be a good opportunity to get her around our group. We’ll see if she gets in tonight. She just met us last night and some of us this morning.
—Nate Tibbetts, Phoenix Mercury Head Coach
Satou Sabally Carries Offensive Burden for the Injured Mercury
With Thomas and Copper sidelined, the Mercury will rely heavily on forward Satou Sabally, who has taken the lead as their top scorer this season. Averaging an impressive 20.8 points per game, Sabally, nicknamed “the Unicorn” for her unique skill set at 6-foot-4, has adapted to the increased pressure and diverse roles assigned by coach Tibbetts.
I would really say that this is the first time that I’ve really been coached and pushed to my limits in every single position,
Sabally shared at a recent practice.
I’m really grateful for that.
—Satou Sabally, Phoenix Mercury Forward
Another player to watch is Natasha Mack, one of only two returning members from the 2024 roster who has yet to make her 2025 season debut, indicating the Mercury’s ongoing adjustments amid roster challenges.
Kelsey Plum Leads Sparks’ Offense Despite Missing Teammates
The Mercury’s defense must contend with the formidable Los Angeles Sparks guard Kelsey Plum, a two-time WNBA champion and the league’s second-leading scorer at 24.0 points per game. Plum has taken on a significant scoring and leadership role, especially with the Sparks missing key 2024 draft picks Cameron Brink and Rickea Jackson.
In their previous meeting on May 21, Plum scored 25 points but struggled with ball movement, recording a season-high eight turnovers. Her ability to replicate such offensive dominance will be critical for the Sparks’ chances against the injury-depleted Mercury.
Game Outlook: A Close Contest Expected Between Two Undermanned Teams
The Mercury’s current injury situation mirrors difficulties faced by the Phoenix Suns, who have also competed without key stars like Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal. Despite missing pivotal players from their roster, the Mercury have shown resilience, pushing undefeated teams like the Lynx to close results.
Meanwhile, the Sparks have battled their own injury setbacks, suggesting Sunday’s clash will be tightly contested. Predictions lean towards the Mercury eking out a narrow victory, possibly 71-67, if their young roster continues to rise to the occasion under Tibbetts’ guidance and Sabally’s scoring leadership.