The Seattle Storm couldn’t have asked for a worse way to start their season.
After the match with the defending-champion Las Vegas Aces, the futures of both teams seem clear. The Aces soundly defeated the Storm 105-64 in a historic loss in the Emerald City. Despite a beatdown to open the season, there were positives to take away and areas to improve for Seattle.
Final.#TakeCover pic.twitter.com/PCujga33CT
— Seattle Storm (@seattlestorm) May 20, 2023
A Full House In The Pacific Northwest
The Aces, fresh off a championship, doubled down this season by signing former Storm player Alysha Clark and two-time champion Candace Parker. Vegas is one of the super teams taking charge and they played, indeed, stupendously to open their season.
The Aces’ offense was super-efficient, shooting greater than 50% in every category (54% FG, 61% 3PT, 81% FT). While it seems like they couldn’t miss a shot, the side that powered Vegas was defense.
The Aces could’ve beaten the Storm with just their starters alone winning that battle 85-64. Seattle shot 32.1% from the field and 23.8% from three-point land, which won’t beat a team like the Aces. Vegas also recorded 44 defensive rebounds, eight blocks and six steals in their win.
The most glaring stat in this defeat is that the Storm didn’t win an individual quarter.
Despite losing the first period by four, they seemed to give up when the fourth quarter started, losing 31-16. For Las Vegas, the leading scorers were Kelsey Plum and Jackie Young scoring 23 apiece. Reigning MVP A’ja Wilson notched a double-double with 13 points and 13 rebounds. While Seattle was on the wrong side of history, there were some positive facts for fans to take away.
A New Storm Could Form Soon
Opening the season against the defending champions isn’t ideal, but the Storm did their best to hold off Vegas’s firepower. The “Gold Mamba” Jewell Loyd led the game with 22 points but shot an inefficient 28% from the field (37.5% from three). Ezi Magbegor finished with four steals to go along with her seven points, showing her defense in multiple ways.
The most significant standouts for Seattle were rookies Jordan Horston and Ivana Dojkic. Horston finished with eight points, five rebounds and three steals, demonstrating why she’s a draft steal for the Storm. Dojkic totaled seven points, a steal and one block shooting an efficient 75% from the field. Both newcomers got plentiful minutes in their pro debut with 24 and 17, respectively. Their futures with Seattle provide promise.
What a move by the rookie!
👏👏👏 @ladylynn22_ pic.twitter.com/bXLQZ1mF9m
— Seattle Storm (@seattlestorm) May 20, 2023
Another positive was the 24 minutes from veteran Mercedes Russell. She tallied six points, nine rebounds and one block after re-entering the starting lineup. Russell missed most of last season with low-pressure headaches she eventually had surgery for. Thankfully, there are many opportunities for the rookies to take advantage of with the uncertainty surrounding Gabby Williams‘ availability.
Don’t Buy A Caitlin Clark Jersey Just Yet
The Storm are in unfamiliar territory at the bottom of the standings. The Indiana Fever, Minnesota Lynx and Phoenix Mercury join the search for their first win.
Unlike the field, however, Seattle only has one game recorded in the scorebook.
The Storm still plays easier competition, so the number one pick isn’t guaranteed. In a draft class that includes Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers and Cameron Brink, it’s easy to assume Storm fans will be searching for their new franchise player.
Their next game is Friday against the Dallas Wings, so there are plenty more opportunities for Seattle to turn their season around.
Back home Friday night to face off with Dallas ⛈
🎟 https://t.co/IhD5udQWqC pic.twitter.com/zK3oymwoHv
— Seattle Storm (@seattlestorm) May 22, 2023
