SEATTLE RECONNECTS WITH VICTORY BY DEFEATING THE CONNECTICUT SUN 72-61

After two consecutive road losses against the Phoenix Mercury and the reigning champions, the Las Vegas Aces, last Wednesday, Seattle was eager to bounce back with a home victory. The Storm faced the Connecticut Sun, the Eastern Conference leaders with 13 wins and only two losses.

Led by Dijonai Carrington, Alyssa Thomas, Brionna Jones, and DeWanna Bonner, the Sun also came off a loss against the Aces and traveled to Seattle on Sunday looking to regain their footing.

This game marked the first meeting of the season against the Sun and the start of a nine-game home stand for the Storm, a league record. Seattle aimed to maximize this advantage, with no travel and more time to recharge, to increase their win count.

In the pre-game press conference, Noelle Quinn highlighted the importance of playing at home:

"I think we are well aware that we have an opportunity to put an imprint on our season right now because we don't have to travel, we can stay in the comfort of our home.

But it's not about being comfortable, it's about having the mindset of taking advantage of an opportunity to play in front of our fans, to use that momentum, to use that energy to drive us within these games ».

The starting lineup was adjusted this Sunday, with Jordan Horston replacing Victoria Vivians.

The first quarter was offensively unproductive for Seattle, with only four baskets made out of 18 attempts (22.2% shooting) and 0 for 6 from three-point range. Alyssa Thomas (8 points) and Brionna Jones (6 points) led the Sun.

However, the Storm started the second quarter much better, notably with a three-pointer from Victoria Vivians that energized the crowd.

This quarter remained balanced until two consecutive plays orchestrated by Jordan Horston, with assists to Ezi Magbegor, sparked a 17-3 run for Seattle, putting them ahead of Connecticut.

The Storm led slightly at halftime, 34-31, thanks to this momentum shift and a remarkable comeback.

For the halftime show, legends Nate McMillan of the Supersonics and Betty Lennox of the Storm were present to judge a dunk contest, delighting the crowd.

Several former coaches and players were also in attendance for this anniversary celebration. Throughout the game, videos of the franchise's best moments and achievements played during every timeout, allowing fans to relive key moments in Storm history.

In the second half, despite some bursts from the Sun, Seattle managed to maintain the rhythm from the second quarter and secured their tenth victory of the season with a score of 72-61.

The game ended with a standing ovation from a delighted crowd, impressed by the way the players rose to the challenge, showing their character and resilience against a strong Connecticut team.

Notably, DeWanna Bonner, limited to 9 points due to Jordan Horston's solid defense, left the game injured before the end, receiving fair-play applause from the Seattle crowd.

Alyssa Thomas and Brionna Jones each scored 14 points for the Sun.

As for individual performances on the Seattle side, Skylar Diggins-Smith was named player of the game with 13 points, 8 assists, and 4 rebounds. Nneka Ogwumike (13 points, 5 rebounds), Ezi Magbegor (11 points, 9 rebounds), and Jewell Loyd (16 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists) rounded out a solid performance. Jordan Horston, in her first start, contributed with 10 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists, earning the locker room's "defensive belt."

After the final whistle, beyond the day's victory, it was worth staying a bit longer at Climate Pledge Arena to savor a unique moment in Storm history.

To celebrate the franchise's 25th anniversary, a red carpet was rolled out in front of the four trophies won by the Storm (2004, 2010, 2018, 2020) to welcome some of the top 25 players in franchise history, as voted by the fans.

Sue Bird, Noelle Quinn (the team's current coach), Tina Thompson, the first player ever drafted in WNBA history, and current players like Jewell Loyd, Ezi Magbegor, Mercedes Russell, and Sami Whitcomb participated in the celebration.

Next Thursday, the Storm will host the Indiana Fever (7-11) and will aim to continue their momentum from today.

Photos Credit: Liv Lyons/Seattle Storm