Storm Halts Aces: Streak Ends and Decisive Game 3 in WNBA

Seattle Storm Stalls Las Vegas Aces and Forces a Decisive Game 3

In an exciting WNBA matchup, the Seattle Storm team achieved a crucial victory over the Las Vegas Aces, ending their winning streak and forcing a decisive third game in the first-round playoff series. The game, which took place on Tuesday night, saw the Aces suffer their first defeat since August 2. Despite being down by 14 points in the second half, the Storm rallied to win with a score of 86-83. The Storm’s victory not only interrupted the Aces’ 17-game winning streak, but also left them one win away from tying the regular season record of 18 consecutive wins set by the Los Angeles Sparks in 2001.

This team hasn’t been defeated in a long time. We felt we could do it because we’ve been successful against them earlier this year.

Skylar Diggins, Storm player

Diggins was key in the final moments of the game. With the Storm leading by one point in the final 30 seconds, Diggins used the threat of a screen to isolate defender Jackie Young and score a shot that extended Seattle’s lead to three points. The game also highlighted the performance of rookie Dominique Malonga, who played a crucial role in the Storm’s defense, especially against three-time MVP A’ja Wilson. Malonga, 19, significantly limited Wilson’s impact, which was fundamental to the Storm’s comeback. Seattle coach Noelle Quinn praised Malonga for her ability to use her length and shrink Wilson’s space.

The third game of the series, which will determine who advances, will be played in Las Vegas. This will be the first decisive game of the series for the Aces under coach Becky Hammon. Coach Hammon expressed his disappointment at the defeat, pointing out the key errors that prevented his team from securing the victory, including missed free throws and turnovers.