Storm win 4th straight, 3rd time against Indiana Fever
By Bel Garcia
Seattle, WA - In a Sunday afternoon game of Déjà vu, the Seattle Storm once again beat the Indiana Fever, 81-65. Indiana started the game aggressive in the paint scoring ten from inside to end the first quarter. But, their aggressiveness didn’t stop at offense. Indiana also committed several fouls and found themselves in the penalty early. As for the Storm, they had four players in double figures, one of them being current front runner for MVP, Breanna Stewart. Along with Stewie, starters Jewell Loyd and Ezi Magbegor poured in double digits, as well as Tina Charles off the bench.
Jewell Loyd attacks the rim (Photo Mat Bermudez)
Breanna Stewart, MVP?
Breanna Stewart has averaged 21 points per game this season, and today was no different. Stewart, the unanimous vote for MVP at the half of the season, once again came up big for her Storm with 25 points. In the second quarter, she found her rhythm beyond the arc and hit threes in back-to-back possessions to give Seattle a seven point lead. That was where Seattle found comfort for most of the game, up by at least seven. Indiana went on a quick run to start the second half aggressively on offense, once again cutting the Storm lead to three. Breanna Stewart once again hit a three to give Seattle some breathing room. Stewie is looking confident on the court and finds ways to connect with the basket when needed, her consistency sure helped create a lead early in the game.
Breanna Stewart goes up for a contested layup (Photo Mat Bermudez)
Bench Comes Up Big
It seems safe to say that Tina Charles has found her footing with Seattle. She continues to come off the bench behind Ezi Magbegor, but it seems to be efficient for both Ezi and Tina as they are both producing. Ezi Magbegor had six quick points to begin the game before being subbed out for Charles. Tina Charles found her shot late in the third quarter, when the team needed some help keeping the lead they built. She was aggressive in the paint going 6-0 at the end of the third quarter, ending the game with 15 points. Along with Charles, Stephanie Talbot brought a spark off the bench in the second half of the game as well. Steph hit a three on an offensive possession right after Stewart hit one in the third. Her hustle was also showcased on a rejection and fastbreak layup late in the game.
Stephanie Talbot takes a contested corner three (Photo Mat Bermudez)
Sue Bird was quiet on offense ending the game scoreless, but she influenced the game in other ways. Bird had six assists and two steals; the steals were enough to move Bird to #3 on the All-Time Steals List. The Seattle Storm are headed to Chicago for a match up with the top ranked team in the WNBA on Wednesday. Tipoff for the July 20th matchup against the defending champion Sky is at 9AM PST.
