The Seattle Storm, aka the 2020 WNBA champions, clinched a 2022 playoff spot. This is no shocker to the WNBA community, but circumstances are different this year. For starters, this is Sue Bird’s final season. This means it’s the last season WNBA fans worldwide will witness the Storm’s big three: Bird, Breanna Stewart and Jewell Loyd.
Enough of the violin sadness. Wipe your tears and let’s live in the present. The Storm have a playoff run to make and a championship to win – here’s why.
That Storm Chemistry
Personally, the Storm goes down as one of the most enjoyable WNBA teams to watch. Their fast pace, unselfish passes and encouragement toward one another shows how simple the game of basketball could be.
Ever since Seattle drafted Stewart, she sparked something special within the team. And from then on, every player to step on the court in a Seattle Storm uniform fits right into the system.
Their system doesn’t rely on transition points. When it comes to playing in the half court, they know how to play fundamental basketball. Their plays consist of screen and rolls and their players know how to stay one step ahead of the defense. For example, Stewart sets a screen for Bird and Bird comes off the screen and passes to Stewart. Now, here’s where the IQ comes in. If Stewart doesn’t have a clear jumpshot, she drives the ball looking for a layup. When the layup isn’t there, she either kicks the ball out to the corner, or another player makes the extra cut. It’s almost as if they don’t need any plays because they know each other so well.
With the team’s new addition of Gabby Williams and Tina Charles, they can stretch the whole floor. This opens up the paint for the post players to have more room to make a move or even the guards to drive without the paint cluttered with defenders.
Now I may sound like a basketball geek, but that’s pure gold.
The Opponents
However, if the Storm want to win another championship, they must get through the Aces. The Aces are in the middle of their peak season and they almost play similar to the Storm. The Aces know how to create their own shots, just like Seattle. Both teams are well-oiled machines, so this Western conference matchup between the top two teams is well anticipated.
Fortunately, they face the Aces two more times before the playoffs start. They host the Aces on Aug. 7 and will travel to Las Vegas on Aug. 14.
As for the Eastern Conference, Seattle struggled to beat out a few opponents. Most recently, they lost to the Connecticut Sun and the Washington Mystics. Both losses were by single digits, but the Storm needs to pick it up to gain the momentum they need for a great playoff run.
The Stats
Seattle averages around 80.4 points per game while only allowing their opponents about 76.7 points per game.
They currently hold a 19-12 record coached by Noelle Quinn. They are shooting 82.7% from the free throw line with 43.1% from the field.
The Storm includes five players averaging double digits, with Stewart averaging 21 points per game. Bird leads the team in assists (5.9) and three-point percentage (39.3%).
Despite this year’s team not having as good of a record as the previous years, the Storm still have a good shot at coming out on top this year. It’s the least they can do for Bird’s last WNBA season.
After looking at the team’s progress, do you think they have a chance to be champions? Or, in Bird’s words, “run it back.”
Follow me on Twitter @KylaMcGhee2022. And check out Beyond Women’s Sports for more articles on amazing women and their sport.
I loved this article, it has great ‘energy’ and should gets readers excited about the WNBA CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES! I also believe the article will help both the WNBA game attendance, and their TV viewership . GREAT WRITING KYLA MCGHEE!