As expected, the game between the Seattle Storm was a party in honor of USA basketball and Storm legend Sue Bird’s last game. It was not the Storm’s last game making the backdrop of the contest all more intriguing. The game was the third of the season between the Las Vegas Aces and the Storm. The two teams battled for four quarters but in the end the Aces played the role of rude guests with an 89-81 win. The final contest between the two teams would be in Vegas.
PREFUNCTION
Like any good party, the pre-function was out of sight. Fans lined up two hours before the contest to participate in the Sue Bird celebration which consisted of prize giveaways and video shoutouts.
THE GAME ITSELF
Given the league’s top two contenders for league MVP were facing off against each other, it made sense that both teams came out on the front foot. A back and forth first quarter saw the visitors cling to one point lead at 19-18. The hyped-up crowd inspired Breanna Stewart to step up in the second quarter with a team-high nine points but it was not enough to overcome the stubborn and hot-shooting Aces who led by one at the halftime break 44-43
CONSISTENT SHOOTING AND STINGY DEFENSE
The difference in the second force between the two teams was Vega’s ability to stifle the Storm’s transition game. Vegas was able to accomplish that feat by stellar offensive shooting down the stretch in the third and fourth quarters. Wilson was simply unstoppable, making three’s from the outside and posting down the middle when the opportunity arose. When the Storm tried to throw double teams at Wilson she was able to swing the ball around to open teammates.
Kelsey Plum had 16 points and teammates Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray chipped in 15 each. For the Storm, Breanna Stewart chipped in game-high 35 points and 10 rebounds. Unlike Wilson, she did not get much help from her teammates on the offensive end. Tina Charles was the only other Storm besides Stewart to score double figures with 19. Up next in scoring for the Storm was Bird with nine points, four assists, and six rebounds. A complete scoring line for one of the greatest players to play the game. The glaring lack of scoring was from Jewell Loyd who was held scoreless from the field and finished the game with one made free throw.
MOVING FORWARD
The two teams will face off again to end the season on August 14th in Vegas. Both teams have clinched a postseason berth with Vegas also securing the 4th seed. Seattle will play its last three games on the road. The Storm will play Chicago ( 8/9) and Minnesota ( 8/12) before the Aces game.
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