Liberty's Satou Sabally stepping away from team while continuing to recover from head injury
Sabally has suffered two concussions in the past year and hasn't appeared in a game since June 23.
New York Liberty forward Satou Sabally will be taking a break from the team to recover from a head injury for the time being. She is currently in the midst of her second significant head injury within the past year, prompting her to step away. Head coach Chris DeMarco emphasized that her health is the top priority, as it is for all players on the roster, and the team is looking forward to her return.
Despite clearing concussion protocol, Sabally has been feeling the lingering effects of the injury and has not played since June 23. She suffered a head injury in the first quarter of the game against the Las Vegas Aces when she was hit in the face by an elbow from NaLyssa Smith during a rebound. Sabally had previously been involved in a similar incident during Game 3 of the WNBA Finals with the Phoenix Mercury, where she collided with Aces defender Kierstan Bell, causing her head to hit Bell's knee.
DeMarco did not provide a specific timeline for Sabally's return, stating that they will get there. At 28 years old, Sabally has yet to play a full season this year, amassing only 10.4 points and 2.8 rebounds in 13 games with the Liberty. Over her seven-year career, she has averaged 15.4 points per game and 6.4 rebounds, while contributing 3.2 assists.
Sabally signed a two-year, $1.67 million contract with the Liberty before the start of the season, and the team currently holds a 20-14 record, securing the seventh seed in the WNBA standings and ensuring a playoff berth.
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