Storm blowout Liberty for fourth straight win
By Charles Hamaker
Seattle, WA – The Seattle Storm would win their fourth game in a row, this time doing so in blowout fashion. Unlike their previous three victories, Seattle did not have to take the game down to the wire. The Storm would shoot 49% from the field, 54% from beyond the arch, and 100% from the free throw line. Seattle has done that three times in franchise history, the last time it happened? Against the New York Liberty last year.
Jewell Loyd shoots over teammate Sami Whitcomb (Photo Neil Enns/Seattle Storm)
Loyd and Lavender lead the offensive charge
Jewell Loyd and Jantel Lavender lead the charge for the Storm offense, as Loyd dropped 22 points (nine coming in the fourth quarter), and Lavender recorded a double-double, the 25th of her career. Loyd is a leader on this offense, part of the Seattle big three, and coming off of a career year in 2021. Seeing her offensive numbers is no surprise, but getting the production of a double-double out of Lavender was critical for the Storm. Going up against Natasha Howard and Stefanie Dolson is tough, but Lavender put in the work and helped Seattle romp to a win.Veteran guard Briann January would speak on the teams offensive approach.
“For us it’s executing and continuing to get good shots. We have faith that everyone on this team can get good shots, we’re putting everyone in position to be successful, eventually it’s gonna happen. One thing that we continue to talk about is that our defense will carry us, and eventually our shots will drop,” January stated.
Guard Briann January (Photo Neil Enns/Seattle Storm)
Storm defense remains poignant
It simply cannot be overstated enough, but the Storm have a buzzsaw defense. Over their four game winning streak, the Storm lead the league in steals, and sit at third in +/-. While it isn’t as prominent due to the offense looking to gain footing, the Seattle defensive effort should be noted. If the Storm can keep this level or play up, we may see a deep playoff run inside the walls of Climate Pledge Arena. Breanna Stewart have a defensive presence in their own right, but names such as Ezi Magbegor, Briann January, Gabby Williams, and Steph Talbot have chipped in significantly. Head coach Noelle Quinn reflected on the defensive effort.
“I thought we were more locked in defensively… we got contributions from everyone, overall just a good team effort. The defense will continue to sustain us, helping the game work in our favor. Our communication was big, we want to continue to be a good defensive team, that’s what they do: talk through it,” Quinn remarked.
Gabby Williams shoots a floater over Rebecca Allen (Photo Neil Enns/Seattle Storm)
The Storm continue their historically long home-stand on June 3rd, as they welcome the Dallas Wings to town. Dallas and Seattle will tip off at 7PM PST, as sharpshooting guards Arike Ogunbowale and Marina Mabrey come to town.
