The Mercury were also without their forward/center Natasha Mack (lower back), who's sidelined for approximately two to three weeks. Mack was the Mercury's backup big for Griner last season, and averaged 3.8 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.1 assists through 11 starts and 40 games played.

Satou Sabally and Alyssa Thomas were impressive in their Phoenix debut, leading the Mercury over the Seattle Storm in each team's WNBA opener.

Eight players made their debut for the Mercury, the most to do so in the same game for the franchise since nine did so in 1999 — the WNBA’s inaugural season.