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Minnesota Lynx guard Lindsay Whalen (13) pushes the ball past Phoenix Mercury forward Charde Houston (22) in the first half of a WNBA basketball game on Sunday, May 20, 2012, in Minneapolis. Stacy Bengs, Associated Press
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Minnesota Lynx guard Monica Wright (22) drives past Phoenix Mercury forward Candice Dupree (4) in the first half of a WNBA basketball game on Sunday, May 20, 2012, in Minneapolis. Stacy Bengs, Associated Press
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Minnesota Lynx guard Candice Wiggins, left, gives Lynx owner Glen Taylor a hug after receiving her 2011 WNBA Championship ring before the start of the basketball game against the Phoenix Mercury, Sunday, May 20, 2012, in Minneapolis. Stacy Bengs, Associated Press
By Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS — Seimone Augustus scored 19 points to lead the Minnesota Lynx before leaving with an injury to her ribs, and the defending WNBA champions didn't let up in a 105-83 season-opening victory over the Diana Taurasi-less Phoenix Mercury on Sunday.

The MVP of last year's finals was hurt late in the third quarter when she leaped to save a loose ball and landed with her midsection on top of a courtside seat. After walking off on her own, she prompted a hearty cheer when she came back to the bench in the fourth quarter with the Lynx still comfortably ahead.

Lindsay Whalen had 10 of her 13 points in the final 11 minutes of the game, and backup Monica Wright added 15 points for the Lynx.

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