There was palpable tension following the Phoenix Mercury’s 93–80 victory over the Dallas Wings on Wednesday evening — Phoenix’s court felt like a battleground, not a homecoming.

The matchup marked Satou Sabally’s first return to Dallas since the February trade that sent her to Phoenix, while Dijonai Carrington, another casualty of that four‑team deal, now anchors Dallas. Their postgame confrontation briefly threatened to overshadow a strong performance from both sides.

<cs-card “=”” class=”card-outer card-full-size ” card-fill-color=”#FFFFFF” card-secondary-color=”#E1E1E1″ gradient-angle=”112.05deg” id=”native_ad_inarticle-1-687d7040-e8ed-4497-9f91-8af81bc283eb” size=”_2x_1y” part=””>

Ad

AI now helps people speak languages fast
Talkpal AI

As the final buzzer echoed through PHX Arena, Carrington, who demanded WNBA take action against Donald Trump in January, strode toward Sabally, who appeared to rebuff her with a nonchalant wave. The encounter, captured on social media, shows Carrington approaching the Mercury star, while Paige Bueckers blocked off media cameras. “There is some serious drama going on here after this ball game ended,” remarked one broadcast voice, as Sabally dismissively gestured “Don’t come here.”

READ MORE: U.S. Open stars told to ‘man up’ as USGA slammed for Oakmont decision

READ MORE: Tiger Woods suggestion on ‘horrible’ U.S. Open is music to Rory McIlroy’s ears

Carrington didn’t retreat. She moved toward a huddle of Mercury players, directing her message squarely at Sabally. That’s when both teams surged in to intervene. Among them was Alyssa Thomas — herself part of the same February trade package — who stepped between the pair. Thomas calmly put an arm around Carrington and ushered her away from the gathering storm.

<cs-card “=”” class=”card-outer ” id=”native_ad_collapse-inarticle-0″ part=”” size=”_1x_2y”>

Onlookers noted that security had been strangely absent. “I’m surprised security is not out there a little bit more between the players,” another Phoenix commentator said. “They’re letting them talk. Just walk them off.” Meanwhile, Carrington shielded the camera lens, thrusting a hand into the frame in a bid to block further attention .

Sabally delivered a commanding on‑court performance, finishing with 20 points and 10 rebounds, overshadowing Wings rookie Paige Bueckers’s 35‑point effort. Thomas also made her mark, tallying 11 points and 10 assists. Dallas struggled beyond Bueckers’s outburst, with the rest of the roster combining for just 16‑for‑48 shooting. Amid the drama, Carrington chipped in 11 points and eight boards.

The roots of Wednesday’s intensity reach back to the February trade: Sabally was dealt to Phoenix, Carrington landed in Dallas, and Thomas followed Sabally to Phoenix. Dallas fans, eager to cheer their draft pick, saw Bueckers — this year’s No. 1 overall — shine, but the game and its aftermath highlighted that personal feelings still run deep.

<cs-card “=”” class=”card-outer card-full-size ” card-fill-color=”#FFFFFF” card-secondary-color=”#E1E1E1″ gradient-angle=”112.05deg” id=”native_ad_inarticle-3-78dfbe1d-250e-4124-8de3-8dfe0a40a972″ size=”_2x_1y” part=””>

Ad

Foreo – Skickas inom 24h – Spara upp till 30%
parfym.se

Earlier in the day, Sabally poked fun at her former squad in a cheeky video shared on Phoenix Mercury social media.

When asked for her “favorite wing flavor,” she deadpanned, “I don’t really eat wings anymore,” followed by a theatrical eye‑flutter and smirk. It wasn’t cruel — but it added fuel to what had become an emotionally charged night.

As for the next chapter, Phoenix (7–4) and Dallas (1–10) are set for a rematch on July 3. If Wednesday’s exchange was any measure, both camps will enter that game with this one firmly in their minds.