Satou Sabally and Alyssa Thomas made an immediate impact in their debut for the Phoenix Mercury, leading the team to an 81-59 victory over the Seattle Storm in the WNBA season opener. Sabally shined with a franchise-record 27 points and six rebounds in just 26 minutes, while Thomas contributed a well-rounded performance with 20 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. Their strong showing set the tone for the Mercury’s dominant start to the season.
Sabally’s Record Debut And Thomas’ Versatility Ignite Mercury’s Immediate Impact In Phoenix
Sabally’s 27-point debut set a new franchise record for most points scored by a Mercury player in their first game. She revealed that a pre-game text from former Mercury legend Brittney Griner inspired her not to disappoint, honoring the legacy of past greats like Griner and Diana Taurasi. Sabally’s confidence and determination clearly translated into an outstanding individual performance on the court.
Satou Sabally (WNBA)Alyssa Thomas provided a versatile presence on the court, contributing significantly across multiple facets of the game. Her 20 points, combined with seven rebounds and five assists, helped maintain the Mercury’s momentum throughout the contest. Both Thomas and Sabally joined Phoenix following trades in a major 10-team deal during the offseason, and their impact was immediate.
Storm’s Efforts Fall Short as Mercury Dominates with Strong Defense and Scoring
Despite Skylar Diggins leading the Storm with 21 points, Seattle struggled to keep pace with Phoenix. Diggins showed frustration after turnovers, especially during the third quarter when she scored only four points. Other key players like Nneka Ogwumike contributed 12 points and seven rebounds, but the team could not overcome the Mercury’s strong defense and scoring runs.
The Mercury steadily built their lead throughout the game, holding the Storm to just 15 points in each of the first two quarters. Sabally and Thomas consistently scored and assisted, controlling the pace. The game was played at PHX Arena in Phoenix, with tip-off at 10 p.m. ET on May 17, 2025. It was broadcast locally on CBS 5 and KOMO 4, with streaming available via WNBA League Pass.
