Jovana Nogic in her WNBA debut Saturday. Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images
The Mercury started their season with a vengeance Saturday, notching a blowout win against the Las Vegas Aces, who swept the Merc in the WNBA Finals last year.
Yes, but: Yesterday they fell to the Golden State Valkyries, 95-79.
So maybe it's too soon to be making season predictions.
Who we're watching: All-Stars Alyssa Thomas and Kahleah Copper and several other solid players are returning this year, but it's a newbie we've got our eyes on: Jovana Nogic.
The 28-year-old from Serbia has played basketball overseas for years, but made her WNBA debut Saturday, racking up 19 points for the Mercury.
A new WNBA collective bargaining agreement that bumped player pay is expected to entice international players like Nogic.
What they're saying: "This is a player who hasn't come over because maybe it wasn't worth it, money-wise," coach Nate Tibbetts told ESPN.
What's next: The Mercury home opener is tomorrow night against the Minnesota Lynx.
