The Phoenix Mercury, who entered this game shorthanded Kahleah Copper (knee) and Natasha Mack (back), won their home opener over Seattle 81-59. This was a shockingly dominant performance from a PHX game that entered this game a 5 point underdog.
The Seattle Storm parted ways with Jewell Loyd in the offseason, along with their entire bench rotation of Kia Nurse, Joyner Holmes, Jordan Horston, Victoria Vivians, Sami Whitcomb and Mercedes Russell. Of course, this many subtractions came with a load of talented personnel entering the squad. While able to keep Diggins-Smith, Nneka Ogwumike and Ezi Magbegor, the Storm also drafted Dominique Mologna 2nd in the draft. Mologna has an incredibly high ceiling, and also pairs with her Team France teammate in Gabby Williams. Storm’s haul also includes Alysha Clark (former 6th Women of the Year), Katie Lou Samuelson and Lexie Brown. This roster is incredibly deep, so this Game 1 result was shocking.
The Storm last season were the league’s worst 3PT offense, which is still not an aspect they improved upon with their acquisitions. Rather, this offense is meant to thrive as an extension of their defense while being a constant onslaught at the Rim. However, this offense in the halfcourt was lacking active cuts, they never found a rhythm.
Only SDS and Ogwumike scored double-digit points for SEA, with Ogwumike barely crossing due to foul issues. Ogwumike noted, “I think we all saw. It’s obvious. Takes me out of flow. Takes my team out of flow. I need to be more disciplined. It’s not something that can happen.“
The remaining SEA starters went 2-19 from the field, and Coach Quinn stated, “I need more from Gabby and Ezi… We’re usually way more disciplined on defense”. Seattle lost every quarter.
Now they face Dallas, who may be the matchup they are looking for. The Wings last season allowed a league-high 40.7 Paint Pts per game, and just surrendered 38 to Minnesota in their opener. Napheesa Collier shredded this team inside for 34 Pts off 12-21 shooting, with 8 of her buckets assisted by Courtney Williams. Jessica Shepard tallied on 15 more inside. With DAL having personal issues with Teaira McCowan, their frontcourt rotation of Nalyssa Smitha and Myisha Hines-Allen is just not enough.