Storm stops Aces and their streak: There will be Game 3! WNBA Playoffs on fire.

Seattle Storm Halts Las Vegas Aces, Forcing a Decisive Game 3

In an electrifying WNBA matchup, the Seattle Storm achieved an epic comeback against the Las Vegas Aces, cutting their winning streak and forcing a decisive third game. After trailing by 14 points in the second half, the Storm prevailed with a score of 86-83, demonstrating remarkable resilience. The Aces, who had maintained a 17-game winning streak, saw their dominance interrupted. This streak was only one victory away from tying the 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 had success against them earlier this year.

Skylar Diggins, Storm player

Diggins was key in crucial moments of the game. With a one-point lead in the last 30 seconds, Diggins, with the threat of a screen from Nneka Ogwumike, isolated defender Jackie Young and scored, extending Seattle’s lead to three points. The Aces had a chance to tie in the final seconds, but Jewell Loyd’s attempt didn’t go in, securing the victory for Seattle. This loss marked the first time Las Vegas had lost since August 2, when they fell to the Minnesota Lynx by 53 points. Aces coach Becky Hammon lamented the loss, pointing out key errors that included nine missed free throws and 15 turnovers. Hammon also criticized her team’s defense in the final moments. Despite a stronger start from the Storm compared to the first game, the Aces took control in the third quarter, reaching a 14-point lead. Seattle’s defense on three-time MVP A’ja Wilson was fundamental in the comeback. Wilson, who scored 21 points, 13 rebounds, and 5 assists, was held scoreless in the final seven minutes of the game. Coach Noelle Quinn praised 19-year-old rookie Dominique Malonga for her effective defense against Wilson. Malonga, who had her second consecutive double-double, was also key on offense, scoring a three-pointer that gave Seattle the lead in the final minute. The Storm are now preparing for the decisive Game 3, where they will seek to consolidate their victory and advance in the playoffs.

“We’ve been asking a lot of her all year. We always joke that she’s the youngest player to do whatever in a game, but what she’s been doing in this league, her composure, is truly historic.”