WNBA FINALS: LAS VEGAS VS. PHOENIX

October 5, 2025

Kahleah Copper

Satou Sabally

Phoenix Mercury

Game 2: Postgame

Aces - 91, Mercury - 78

Q. Either one of you can answer this. What experiences have you had from this season that can kind of prepare you for resetting for Game 3?

KAHLEAH COPPER: I think our playoff journey, period, being in Minnesota, being down 17-plus or whatever it was in the third quarter, being able to fight back and knowing that's a part of our identity. But I think we've really got to lock in defensively because that's what we're hanging our hats on.

I think in this game in general it was about like having some fight, and we kind of lost that. But onto the next, seven-game series.

Q. Satou, Nate sort of talked about how in this game there was a lot of stagnation when it came to the offense. I guess what do you think caused that today, especially in Game 1 when you all got really great looks and were able to swing the ball side to side?

SATOU SABALLY: We caused that. We just didn't share the ball as much. We have to play together and just zip the ball a little bit more, play side to side.

Q. Satou, we just had an injury update, and Nate said you were getting evaluated.

SATOU SABALLY: I'm fine.

Q. What switched between the first and second quarter for you guys?

KAHLEAH COPPER: What do you mean what switched?

Q. Do you feel like something changed defensively or --

SATOU SABALLY: We just didn't share the ball as much. We didn't play our offense. We didn't get stops really. Yep, that changed.

Q. Kahleah, you guys have given up 89 points, last game now 91. Nate said he didn't feel like the defense that got you guys here hasn't really showed up this series. I know it's different in both games. Where do you feel you need to improve the most or bring the most defensively coming back to Phoenix?

KAHLEAH COPPER: I think just helping each other. It's really not -- I mean, we take pride, and we say, "guard your yard," but it's about helping each other and staying connected. It's the trust defensively. If someone's getting beat, being there. But when we talk about trust, it's if someone's going to help someone, you've got to help the helper.

Yeah, I think we've got to get back to us, be more connected defensively, and then trust that the next person has your back.

Q. Kah, A'ja said playing in Phoenix is a tough place to play in. How excited are you to return home for Game 3?

KAHLEAH COPPER: Super excited. I think the X factor is a huge part of the success we had this season. It's always good to be home. So we're excited to get back home.

Q. Satou, this question is for you. I know today didn't go the way you guys had hoped, but what positive things that you can take out of today? At least something that stuck out to you like, hey, we can exploit this in Game 3?

SATOU SABALLY: That we're always staying together, and the positive thing is we have so many games still to play. We lost two. We're returning home, so that's also positive. I still believe in us. Just unwavering belief in your own team and what you can do and the potential.