On Monday night, the New York Liberty are set to face the Seattle Storm at Barclays Center. This matchup comes after the Liberty’s recent triumph over the Phoenix Mercury, boosting their season record to 17-13.
Event Context
A significant question looms over the matchup regarding the status of one of the team’s key offseason signings. During the play, officials called a loose-ball foul on Sabally. She briefly remained on the floor, removed her protective glasses, and appeared to hold her head before standing up unaided. In Game 3 of the 2025 WNBA Finals, while representing the Phoenix Mercury, Sabally sustained a concussion after colliding with the knee of Aces forward Kierstan Bell while pursuing an offensive rebound.
Player Focus
On June 23, Sabally suffered an injury during the New York Liberty’s 87-76 win against the Las Vegas Aces. The Liberty forward had to leave the game after being struck in the face by an elbow from Aces forward NaLyssa Smith while vying for a rebound with 5:31 remaining in the first quarter.
Prior to this setback, Sabally participated in 13 games this season, averaging 10.4 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.9 assists, with a shooting percentage of 45.9% from the field and 38.5% from three-point range.
Additionally, Sabally has a history of concussion issues.
This injury cut her season short, and accompanying concussion symptoms also resulted in her absence during the second season of Unrivaled.
Leonie Fiebich also sidelined
Satou Sabally will be sidelined once again for the New York Liberty as she continues her recovery under the WNBA’s concussion protocol. This season, the Liberty forward has participated in only 13 out of 30 games and has logged just five starts.
Match Outlook
The 28-year-old player has been inactive since late June, following her departure from the Liberty’s game against the Las Vegas Aces. She will not be participating in the upcoming match against Seattle on Monday.
On Friday, July 17, Liberty head coach Chris DeMarco shared an update on Sabally’s recovery, though he was unable to provide a specific timeline for her return.
“She’s beginning to feel better, but we don’t have a timetable for her comeback,” DeMarco stated. “It will definitely be after the All-Star break. She is making progress, and we will get her back on the court as soon as possible,” he added.
Furthermore, the Liberty will also be unable to field Leonie Fiebich in their game against the Seattle Storm, as she has been ruled out due to a left foot injury.
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Further reading: Did Olivia Miles deliberately attempt to injure Caitlin Clark? Controversy arises from a video of the Fever vs. Lynx match; reactions include, ‘Wait, what…’
