Clouds of uncertainty circled the Phoenix Mercury prior to their season opener against Seattle. But dominant performances from their offseason acquisitions brought light to Nate Tibbetts’ side with Satou Sabally and Alyssa Thomas combining for 47 points. But while the Mercury may have passed the test against a Seattle team that appeared out of sorts, their problems could be exploited by stronger sides as the season moves along.
While their newest star duo shone the brightest in the game, the third member of their “big 3” was ruled out for the game, causing Head Coach Nate Tibbetts to lose a little sleep. Their third star, Kahleah Copper, recently underwent a successful left knee arthroscopy, a surgical procedure to address an issue within her knee joint. This news was announced just as the season was set to begin, unfortunately sidelining her for the start of the year and providing a major blow to the Mercury. Last year, Copper was the WNBA’s third-leading scorer, averaging 21.1 points per game in her first season with the Mercury. Copper has proven her ability to create her own shot and provide a high-volume scoring option that could boost any offense.
While Thomas and Sabally add significant talent, Copper’s ability to create her own shot and carry the scoring load is unique and will be missed by Coach Tibbetts. The Mercury Coach shared that Copper had also experienced back issues during the training camp but it was the injury to her knee that ruled her out. Copper is expected to be back in four to six weeks, meaning fans can anticipate her return to the court for the Mercury in the latter stages of June.
When she returns, Copper’s 21.1 points per game from last season will likely boost the Mercury’s offense, allowing Coach Nate Tibbetts to pair her scoring with Thomas’ playmaking and Sabally’s versatility for a dynamic lineup.
Expressing his disappointment over the injury, coach said, “I think it’s the beauty of sports and the [expletive] part about sports, right? People don’t care about injuries. The games just keep coming. I feel really bad for Kah, she had a great camp. I feel unfortunate for our team.” However, while the coach spoke at length on the status of Kahleah, his clueless response to the injury queries on Natasha Mack raised further concerns for the team.
Phoenix Mercury coach Nate Tibbetts says Natasha Mack’s back injury happened around the time of Sunday’s Golden State game. He’s unsure exactly when it happened.#WNBA #ValleyTogether pic.twitter.com/teKwAfG3XG
— Desert Wave Media (@DesertWaveCo) May 18, 2025
Prior to their season opener, Coach Tibbetts was asked about Mack’s injury and how it occurred. “I’m not sure when exactly it happened, right around that [Golden State Valkyries game] time” he answered. Mack started both of the Mercury’s preseason games and has been ruled out with a back injury that is set to keep her out for about two to three weeks.
Mack, who averaged 1.2 blocks per game last season, is a defensive anchor, and her absence leaves the Mercury vulnerable to teams with strong post players, like Brittney Griner, now suiting up for the Atlanta Dream.
This only adds to Mercury’s misery as this not only rules out another vital player, but leaves the team with no members from the last season.
In their game against the Storm, Tibbetts played with 9 new players, 4 of whom had never stepped foot on a WNBA court before. The victory was a testament to Tibbetts and his side’s resilience despite their limited availability, something he was “proud” of.
With Thomas and Sabally in his ranks, and Mack returning soon. They will have to hold the fort down till Kahleah makes her comeback, something which will not be easy in a league currently at its most competitive. But that is the challenge Tibbetts will face. After a 2024 season that was dubbed a “step in the right direction”, Coach Tibbetts will now have to prove his worth in the next months of adversity. However, judging by the culture he’s established in Phoenix, it’s not a tall task for a coach of his caliber.
What does the 2025 season hold for Nate Tibbetts’ Mercury?
This isn’t just a new roster; it’s a philosophical shift under Tibbetts. Following the departure of franchise icons Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner, he’s rebuilding a team based on versatility and a commitment to defense.
His emphasis on position-less basketball is particularly intriguing, leveraging the unique skill sets of the new “Big Three” – Kahleah Copper, Alyssa Thomas, and Satou Sabally. As Tibbetts himself noted, acquiring Thomas and Sabally provides more size, maybe just not at the center position, but just positionally, allowing for different ideas on the court. Tibbetts’ challenge, and the fans’ anticipation, lies in how he will maximize the potential of these high-caliber players, making their collective strengths greater than the sum of their parts.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MAY 14: Head coach Nate Tibbetts of the Phoenix Mercury yells to his players in the first quarter of their game against the Las Vegas Aces at Michelob ULTRA Arena on May 14, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Aces defeated the Mercury 89-80. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Tibbetts isn’t just a tactician; he’s also taking on a crucial leadership role in this transitional period. He’s been actively involved in shaping the roster and fostering a new team culture since his arrival. Copper herself highlighted Tibbetts’ influence, stating, “I think you’re able to be your best, most authentic and genuine self when you do it your own way.” She also mentioned his role in adding free agents and buying into the team’s new direction.
While there are challenges, including a lack of depth beyond the core stars and the immediate hurdle of Copper’s injury, the opportunity to see Tibbetts mold this talented, yet different, group into a cohesive unit is compelling. His strategic vision and the potential for a dynamic, versatile style of play make the 2025 season a fascinating chapter in Mercury history. The team’s performance, even in the preseason, has shown glimpses of this new identity, with a focus on aggressive defense that Tibbetts credits as essential to finishing possessions. How they weather the early storm without Copper under Tibbetts’ guidance will be a major indicator of their potential this season.
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