Mercury provides historic player performances in outstanding season opener

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.

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.

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.”

Phoenix looks towards its next opponent, the Los Angeles Sparks, for its second win of the season on Wednesday, May 21.