PHOENIX — The Phoenix Mercury took the season opener against the Seattle Storm on May 17, 81-59, behind historic performances from its stars.
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Phoenix Mercury forward Satou Sabally (0) goes up for a layup against Seattle Storm forward Nneka Ogwumike (3) during the Mercury home opener in the PHX Arena in Phoenix on May 17, 2025.
Satou Sabally and Alyssa Thomas made their Mercury debuts against the Storm and delivered fantastic performances. Sabally ended the game with 27 points, breaking the franchise’s record for most points made in a debut. Behind her is Charde Houston, with 24 points in 2012, and legend Diana Taurasi, with 22 points in 2004.
Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) pump fakes Seattle Storm guard Skylar Diggins (4) into the air during the Mercury home opener in the PHX Arena in Phoenix on May 17, 2025.
Thomas ended her debut with 20 points, making her and Sabally the second pair of teammates in Mercury history to score 20 or more points in their debuts. They’re the fourth in WNBA history to achieve the feat. Phoenix led the entire game and never surrendered the lead.
Foul her if you want – she’s still getting hers. pic.twitter.com/QHNHfNSAJZ
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) May 18, 2025
Phoenix debuted nine players against Seattle and head coach Nate Tibbetts praises how the team has handled themselves throughout the preseason to Saturday’s game.
“For us to come out and perform the way that we did tonight, it’s a credit to our group,” he said after the game. “I’m super proud of them.”
May 17, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Alexa Held (1) shoots a free throw against the Seattle Storm during the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Phoenix looks towards its next opponent, the Los Angeles Sparks, for its second win of the season on Wednesday, May 21.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
With a fresh new team, Mercury delivers bold statement performance
