Mercury’s Natasha Mack returns after suffering injury scare

PHOENIX– On the verge of her second double-double of the season, Phoenix Mercury center Natasha Mack exited Tuesday’s game against the Toronto Tempo with a leg injury before quickly returning.

The injury came as she was coming down after going for a rebound. As soon as she felt it, Mack went down for nearly five minutes. Surrounded by Phoenix personnel, it felt like a major gut punch.

She has been the team’s interior anchor to start the season. Her first game of the season was a 10-point and 15-rebound double-double against the reigning WNBA champions.

Not to mention, the confidence has been oozing since the beginning of training camp. Mack put on roughly 10-15 pounds of muscle and played like it.

The bully-ball, seeking out mismatches, and asserting herself on the offensive end were among the biggest surprises. She earned that trust from team leaders Alyssa Thomas and Kahleah Copper.

During the latter stretch of  last season, Mack’s confidence grew for the Mercury at a crucial time. Fast forward seven months, and there was a renewed sense of confidence, mixed with assertiveness.

For now, the Mercury will likely go small with players like Valériane Ayayi, or look for more size with Kyara Linskens. If worst comes to worst, they could certainly activate Marta Suarez from her developmental spot into a guaranteed roster spot.

Losing Kathryn Westbeld to a torn ACL and now Mack’s uncertain status raises many concerns. She returned to Tuesday’s game to a nice ovation.

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