Sun May 18 02:30:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the provided text:
**Phoenix Mercury Defeat Seattle Storm in Season Opener**
PHOENIX, AZ – The Phoenix Mercury kicked off their 2025 WNBA season with a decisive victory over the Seattle Storm at the PHX Arena on Saturday night. In a game marking a significant transition for both teams, the Mercury showcased their revamped roster, securing a win despite missing key players from last season.
Phoenix, sporting a dramatically different lineup after losing four starters and the iconic Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner, demonstrated their ability to regroup. Offseason acquisitions Alyssa Thomas and Satou Sabally made an immediate impact. Sabally led the team with 17 points and four rebounds, while Thomas contributed 13 points, four assists, and three rebounds.
The Mercury came out strong, holding the Storm to just 15 points in each of the first two quarters. Sabally led the charge early with eight points and three rebounds in the opening period, supported by Kathryn Westbeld’s seven points and Thomas’s six points and three assists.
The Seattle Storm, who traded Jewell Loyd to the Las Vegas Aces in the offseason, struggled to find their rhythm. Despite the return of Alysha Clark and the presence of 2024 All-WNBA Second Teamer Nneka Ogwumike and center Ezi Magbegor, the Storm couldn’t overcome the Mercury’s strong defense. Skylar Diggins led Seattle with 13 points, while Magbegor, usually a reliable scorer, was held scoreless but managed six rebounds.
The game, tipping off at 10 p.m. ET, marked the start of a season with heightened expectations for both teams, especially for Seattle, who aim to improve upon their first-round playoff exit from the previous year. However, it was the new-look Mercury who emerged victorious, setting the stage for an intriguing season ahead.
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