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The two teams many consider the favorites to win the 2011 WNBA title will kick off their season with a rematch of last summer's Western Conference Finals. The defending champions Seattle Storm have added Katie Smith and are confident in their ability to repeat. The Phoenix Mercury have added size and promise to score more in the paint, defend better and still run off rebounds.
Final: 78-71
Season Previews:
2011 WNBA Preview: Will The Seattle Storm Have A Good Enough Bench To Repeat?
Phoenix Mercury: Bigger, Stronger, Tougher
DNS: Can He Swish Again? Dishin' out the 2011 WNBA Predictions
Solobasket's WNBA Guide 2011: The show is back
James' Western Conference preview
Storyline: These two teams seem destined to battle for supremacy in the West again this season. To have them open the season against each other will be a powerful and compelling test. There's no way to count out the loser regardless of the result, but the winner will have a leg up on the 2011 version of one of the best WNBA rivalries.