Seattle Storm Facing the Aces Storm
The mission had all the puzzle. Going to challenge Las Vegas, the defending champions and the announced roller compressor of the playoffs, was already a feat. Seattle had had two victories in the regular season against the Aces, but from the beginning of this Game 1, reality fell like a storm in the Nevada desert.
A hot start from the Aces
Las Vegas didn't wait. Eleven in a row, Jewell Loyd and A Seattle attempted a small return at the beginning of the second quarter, with Erica Wheeler dropping a three-point strip to bring the gap back to five lengths. But it was just a respite. Just before the break, Jackie Young pulled a missile from the parking lot to send everyone back to the locker room with +20 on the counter (45-25). Curtain? Not yet, but almost.
At the top
If we were to sum up the first half of the year: A 16 points for the superstar, 15 points for all opposing incumbents. The stat slams like a slap. And the overall figures leave no doubt: 53% success for Vegas, barely 30% for Storm. The balance of power was clear, and he never turned.
A third quarter without return
The break didn't change anything. Wilson continued his construction, Dana Evans and Jackie Young watered from afar, and the gap climbed to +24 before the last quarter. The Storm watched the shower fall without being able to open the umbrella. Final score: 102-77. A historical slap. Never had Seattle taken such a slap in playoffs.
A few lights in the storm
Not everything was to throw off Storm. Gabby Williams took responsibility with 16 points, the best scorer on his team. And Dominique Malonga, for his baptism of fire in postseason, signed a double-double full of promises (12 points, 11 rebounds). At 20, the rookie showed that she already had the shoulders for this kind of scene.
The continuation of the series
Frustration? Huge. The impression of having gone through the game without ever imposing his. Becky Hammon and his Aces have recalled why they are afraid all over the league: preparation, intensity, talent at all positions. But the show is not over. Seattle will have to react quickly, find adjustments and above all an offensive rhythm capable of holding the shock. Otherwise, the Storm may see its season end in the crash of an express sweep.
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