By Charles Hamaker
Seattle, WA – In a battle between two talent laden rosters, the Seattle Storm pulled away late against the Washington Mystics. The game was close throughout, totaling seven lead changes, but a 14-2 by Seattle wrapped it up. Jewell Loyd led all scorers with 22 points, as four of the Storm’s five starters were in double digits. With the win, Seattle is now 5-1 in their last six games and sit firmly at second in the Western Conference.
Sue Bird poured in 12 points and notched 8 assists (Photo Neil Enns)
Young Storm talented center Ezi Magbegor has been on a tremendous rise this season, which has been a key to Seattle’s success. Magbegor, with Mercedes Russell out due to injury, has taken advantage of increased minutes. Ezi showed that in this game as well, pouring in 20 points (tied for second most in the game) while adding five rebounds and two blocks. The Australian center also leads the entire WNBA in blocks per game, averaging 2.7 rejections a game. Having Magbegors growth will certainly be a welcome addition to a Storm team looking for a third option. Teammate Breanna Stewart discussed Magbegors growth postgame.
“I think that Ezi is really continuing to develop in this league. Especially with us in year three, coming in and taking a much bigger role with Mercedes being in an out of our lineup. She’s making the right reads, understanding what teams are doing defensively.... she’s finishing strong, well through contact,” Stewart stated.
Ezi Magbegor's growth is huge for the Storm (Photo Neil Enns)
The Storm bench has been a wildcard this season. There are stretches of games where the bench sees a great contribution, with veterans like Jantel Lavender and Briann January adding an edge. This game saw a very low input from the second unit, as the bench only added nine points. A key piece to a championship team, let alone a good playoff team, is a productive bench. The Storm cannot afford to rely on its big three all the time, especially considering that Gabby Williams is looking to find consistent offense. Head coach Noelle Quinn discussed her bench postgame.
“Yeah, I’d like some more from them, but today, there was a lot of good carry over. With the movement that they showed offensively. Defensively, they were on a string. I want to trust them and keep them in, I see the growth in it. It’s small steps, but it is good steps in the right direction. There were good things that unit did today,” Quinn would reflect.
The Storm bench could use more offensive contribution from players like Briann January (Photo Neil Enns)
This Storm team shows flashes of its potential in different ways each night. Whether it be the growth of Magbegor, Gabby Williams having a breakout game in New York, the bench on fire, etc. They seem to be mostly finding their stride heading into the All-Star break, but it will be key that once they find it, they keep it going. Around this same time last season, the Storm were rolling. Breanna Stewart looked like a lock for the MVP award, and Seattle had won the Commissioners cup. Keeping that momentum is key, as you want to be the team that finds their stride heading into the playoffs.
Gabby Williams improved offensive consistency would be huge for Seattle (Photo Neil Enns)
The Storm have a relatively quick turnaround for their next game, as they battle the Los Angeles Sparks on Saturday, June 25th at Climate Pledge Arena. Tipoff is at 6PM PST, as the struggling Sparks come to town looking to rebound. Former Storm players Jordin Canada and Katie Lou Samuelson look to get revenge, as the Sparks have not yet beaten Seattle in preseason or regular.
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