Despite strong third quarter, Storm continue to struggle in loss against Sky that pushes skid to nine games

July 22, 2023

2023-06-03-Sparks-Storm-FI360-DS-48026 — Photo by Stan Morris

Seattle, WA – This young Seattle Storm team continues to struggle in the middle of their 2023 season despite the positive flashes they’ve shown throughout the year, as their losing streak hit nine games with tonight’s defeat against the visiting Chicago Sky. The trend of Seattle plugging one hole and another popping open continues to occur, as the Storm were heavily dominated on the boards. They’re solid shooting from the field, points in the paint numbers, and free throw percentage were positives, but the humiliation on the rebounding side of this game was a big factor in why Seattle was never able to get a lead as they dropped their ninth game in a row. If they continue to fail at addressing the major issues in their game, that losing streak should only get longer.

In their first loss of the second half, a tough loss to the Las Vegas Aces that saw the Storm threaten to close in on the defending champions, Seattle was able to come out of the locker room with a strong start. Despite the strong shooting percentage that Seattle had overall in this game, at 46.7%, the Storm struggled in the first quarter to make their shots and take advantage of the few offensive rebounds that they did get to. Second chance points have been an issue that the Storm haven’t been able to fully address all season long, and even those are a byproduct of the teams rebounding struggles. Despite rookie Dulcy Fankam Mendjiadeu slotting into the starting rotation and helping on the boards, the team struggles in the rebounding department.

“We’ve proven this season that we can get ourselves back into games, but we don’t want that to be the case every game. The first half, their offensive rebounds definitely extended that lead,” Ezi Magbegor, Seattle Storm center, on the teams rough first half.

A positive to take from this game is the performance of the Storm bench, something we haven’t quite been able to enjoy for parts of this season as Seattle’s staff has opted to go with a shorter rotation. While they may work at times, and at others may be necessary considering the younger talent that isn’t in the starting five, the Storm got strong contributions from Jordan Horston, Sami Whitcomb, and Mercedes Russell. Those three, who all could arguably be starters on this team and around the league, were able to provide valuable scoring from a bench unit that at times fails to help their starters when a break is needed. While none of them really provided anything on the boards to earn more minutes than the starters that weren’t either, it’s hard to cast blame on them for something that the entire team failed to do.

“A lot of times, rebounding isn’t a skillset. It’s a desire to box out. Our mindset around that wasn’t sharp. It wasn’t only one of us, it was all of us,” Noelle Quinn, Seattle Storm head coach, on the team’s rebounding struggles.

Following this tough and obviously frustrating loss to the Chicago Sky, Seattle heads out on a three-game road trip that will feature a rematch against tonight’s opponent. The Storm begin their road trip on Tuesday, July 25^th when they head to Brooklyn, New York for a battle against the New York Liberty. That matchup will be broadcast on ESPN3, with a tipoff time of 4PM PST as Seattle looks to complete an upset against a New York team that they’ve pushed to the brink in the times that they’ve met this season.

Storm come close, but can’t complete the upset against Aces in first game since All-Star break

Charles Hamaker

July 20, 2023

Seattle, WA – To open the second half of the 2023 season, the Seattle Storm hit the Las Vegas Aces with the best performance they’ve had in their head-to-head matchups this year, but it wasn’t enough as the Aces managed to pull away. While superstar Jewell Loyd struggled from the field, the Storm got productivity from starters Ezi Magbegor and Gabby Williams while bench players Mercedes Russell and Jordan Horston had efficient games to cut into the Las Vegas lead. Ultimately, sloppy play including turnovers and missed free throws came back to haunt Seattle as they fail to put together complete efforts.

Heading into the All-Star break, the Storm had been struggling with some slow starts to begin their game, digging an instant hole that a young team who is working on their own issues had to instantly dig themselves out of. Although Seattle didn’t take a lead out of the first frame, the fight that they showed proved that the Storm were going to roll over for an Aces team that handed the franchise their worst ever loss back on opening night of the season. While they struggled on the boards early, giving Las Vegas numerous second chances, Seattle was getting their own shots to fall early to help them gain some form of rhythm that they’ve needed on the offensive end. Even with Jewell Loyd going scoreless in that first quarter, the Storm remained in striking distance.

“A lot of pride and a lot of growth in a lot of areas. We’re different from day one, and we’re not where we want to be, but that is what the second half of the season is. To continue to grow and progress in a lot of ways. How, when we’re facing opponents, we’re playing and how we’re adjusting to that, throughout the game. How we start games, how we are in the middle of games, and how we can continue to find ways to finish games. I think that it’s a positive to be in a situation where you’re in a single digit game late with a team whose very talented and primed to win a championship. For a young team, like ours, that shows a lot of pride, that shows just a testament to the work that they’re putting in, attentiveness to detail and other things that matter,” Noelle Quinn, Seattle Storm head coach, on if the team’s better performance in this game against the Aces compared to previous blowouts means anything.

While it seemed like the issues on Seattle’s end were apparent and therefore easier to fix, the Storm seemed to forget what they needed to improve upon and add more to that list. Out of the break, Seattle continued to turn the ball over and lose the rebound battle while also still missing their free throw shots when they did get to the line. When playing any tough opponent, giving them free opportunities to extend their lead or just gain momentum in general is a big no-no and the Storm were doing just that. With just two ticks under three minutes, Las Vegas had ballooned their lead to 24 points, and this contest seemed like yet another run away for the Aces as they look to defend their 2022 title.

“Honestly, I’m just happy to be in that position against the number one team in the league. For us, obviously, we’re learning, but closing a deal against Vegas, if you’re telling me we’re in that type of game tonight, I wouldn’t have imagined that. I think instead of closing the deal, it’s how to continue to play that same way. And maybe that kind of encompasses how we figure out how to close games, or possessions, quarters or whatever have you, but just a good position to be in with a very good team at that moment,” Noelle Quinn, Seattle Storm head coach, on tough it is to close out a team likes the Aces.

Following tonight’s loss against the Aces and their 17^th loss of the season, the Storm will have a very brief sort of rest period before they get back into action when the Chicago Sky come to town for a matchup on Saturday, July 22^nd. The Sky will come into town on a four-game losing streak, while the Storm drag their eight-game winless drought along. The two teams will face off for their Saturday matchup with a tipoff time of 6PM PST and their battle will be broadcast on Amazon Prime Video.

Dr. Jill Biden Hosts White House Youth Soccer Clinic for MLS All Star

Matthew Haney

July 18, 2023

“Hello, everyone, and welcome to the White House!”

First Lady Dr. Jill Biden appeared on the White House South Lawn and welcomed dozens of Washington, DC area youth soccer groups for a clinic, along with representatives from Major League Soccer (MLS) and several of this week’s MLS All Star players themselves.The lawn was set up with multiple soccer fields in partnership with MLS GO for kids to participate in soccer drills and play lighthearted matches. MLS GO is the league’s recreational youth soccer program, designed to increase participation, accessibility, and inclusivity.

Dr. Biden highlighted the value of soccer as a tool for uniting us. For people from different countries or cultures, whether or not they understand the words they speak to each other, “sport is the international language” she said.

Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber explained the importance of youth soccer and the opportunity to inspire children to play–“The young players that are represented here, they are the next generation of soccer players in our country, and this is a moment that I’m sure all of you will remember forever.”

The children appeared to take advantage of the opportunity to play and to challenge the MLS All Stars playing with them, as well as speak and interact with the players and Dr. Biden.

To close the evening, the children and representatives from MLS were greeted by the President of the United States, Joe Biden, though he made no official remarks.

In his statements, Commissioner Garber summed up the day nicely. “On behalf of everyone across our league, I want to thank you, Dr. Biden, and everyone at the White House, for transforming America’s backyard into a space for young people to enjoy the game with our MLS All Stars.”

MLS All Stars in attendance included:

Christian Benteke, DC United
Lucho Acosta, DC Cincinnati
Kei Kamara, Chicago Fire
Jordan Morris, Seattle Sounders
Hany Mukhtar, Nashville SC
Walker Zimmerman, Nashville SC
Ryan Hollingshead, LAFC
Tim Parker, St. Louis City SC

LA SPARKS Midseason Outlook

Jevone Moore

July 18, 2023

1RT19535 — Nneka Ogwumike (Photo by Full Image 360)

Los Angeles, CA- Coming out of WNBA All Star the Los Angeles Sparks outlook for the home stretch to move up in the Western Conference. With a record of 7-13 and 11.5 games behind the No 1 Las Vegas Aces at 19-2.

1^st year Sparks Coach Curt Miller along with General Manager/CAO Karen Bryant took the time to be transparent with the media and break down how things are and where the team going.

General Manager/CAO Karen Bryant and Coach Curt Miller. (Photo by Full Image 360)

“Excited to get back…I’m really proud of how handle adversity with injury,” said Miller, “Excited to depart today for the second half of the road to Minnesota.”

Miller spoke about he normally breaks down the season in quarters so after completing quarter 1 & 2. The first quarter the team was 6-4 that could have easily been 7-3 if picked off one of the close games they lost down the stretch.

Rookie Zia Cook is the only two players who has played in all 20 games for the Sparks. She has said she wants to be more efficient. Night after night guarding the top guards in the league from Diana Taurasi, Kelsey Plum, Chelsea Gray and more.

Sparks rookie Zia Cooke (Photo by Full Image 360)

You can tell by listening to the tone today its apparent even with the boat load of injuries the Sparks want to win and goal is clear to grow.

“What we continue to focus on is what we can control,” said Bryant, “At the end of the day we want to win basketball games.”

“I wasn’t brought in to tank”, said coach Miller, “If we can make the playoffs, we will be a tough out.”

The 2^nd quarter has been rough with 12 different lineups in only 20 games. But there are still some bright spots with one being Nneka Ogwumike being in her 12 season and her stats are really special this season. The Sparks have had Ogwumike shine so bright the league has taken notice.

Ogwumike being on her last year of her current contract the Sparks know that she is a key player they want to keep and build around.

“We are going to do everything that we can to make a run,” said Bryant, “Nneka is really important part of what we doing here.”

Raising the visibility of the Sparks is important, and we know when LA is great the WNBA is great.

“Proud of their commitment to prepare and compete,” coach Miller.

As the teams now starts off this 3^rd quarter it will something to see if they can get healthy and build some chemistry on the floor.

“Sustainable Growth” Coach Miller calling card and theme for this coaching journey with the Sparks.

2023 WNBA All-Star Game: The Return of Brittney Griner and a new scoring record

Eric Brown Jr

July 16, 2023

0W8A6084 — Photo by Eric Brown Jr. / fi360 News

Las Vegas – Scoring the first six points for her team and throwing down two dunks, Brittney
Griner made an emotional return to the 2023 WNBA All-Star Game on Saturday night. The
sold-out Michelob Ultra Arena crowd roared when Griner was introduced and she was visibly
moved by the thousands of fans who missed her last year.

“I didn’t think I’d be here today,” the nine-time all-star Griner said. “Everyone sending the letters
and the love, meant a lot to me.”

Griner led Team Stewart, captained by New York Liberty’s Breanna Stewart, to a 143-127 over
Team Wilson headed up by the Las Vegas Aces’ A’ja Wilson.

Team Stewart’s Jewell Loyd of the Seattle Storm came into the game as the league’s leading
scorer, and left with the All-Star scoring record and the MVP trophy. Loyd was unstoppable from
downtown, and dropped 31 points to cement her name in the record books and lead Team
Stewart to victory over Team Wilson.

“I had extra motivation,” Loyd said, “My family’s here. I want to say happy 40th anniversary to
my parents. My nephew and niece are up there too. They wanted me to shoot a of 3s, so that’s
exactly what I did. I think I told Sabrina [Ionescu] that – we’re gonna put up a lot of 3s. It’s a
special moment, honestly. It’s beautiful for the league and I’m happy I was able to do it in front of
my family.”

This year’s game featured a 20-second shot clock rather than the usual 24, two four-point spots
on each side of the court were added and there were no free throws. New York’s Sabrina
Ionescu, from Team Stewart, made all three of her four-point attempts in the first half and
finished the night with 18 points.

Sparks Lose Back to Back Games Against Dominant Dream

Eric Brown Jr

July 5, 2023

Los Angeles, CA- Unfortunately, it didn’t go the Sparks way with a final score of 90-74 in favor of Atlanta. Over the past three weeks Los Angeles is 3 -8, with all three of those victories coming against Dallas.

Coming off a loss at Atlanta, the Los Angeles Sparks (7-11) entering tonight’s night’s game at Crypto.com Arena looking to even the score with the Dream (8-8).

Nneka Ogwumike(30) who was named a 2023 WNBA All-Star, had another impressive
double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Azura Stevens(23) added a double-double of
her own, with 16 points and 12 rebounds for Los Angeles. Jordin Canada(21) finished with 13
points and 7 assists.

Ogwumike jumps for the opening tip off with Parker. (Photo by Eric Brown Jr. / fi360 News)

Los Angeles opened the second quarter down fifteen points, but guard Karlie Samuelson(44)
led a small comeback by hitting a three-pointer as soon as she checked-in. Samuelson’s help
would be short lived as she was pulled after taking two very hard falls and taking a step that
“Didn’t feel well” according to Miller.

“We challenged them at halftime” said Sparks coach Curt Miller, “and you know, to hold that
talented team to just 39% shooting in the second half is a victory and something we can build
on.”

“There’s a lot of victories tonight for us and none more than the character it showed when they
came out of the locker room.”

Allisha Gray(15) of Atlanta had a team high 23 points and 6 assists and Cheyenne Parker(32)
and 14 points and 11 boards. Dream’s Rhyne Howard(10) coming off a 43 point performance
the last time these two teams played, had another productive game with 15 points, 6 assists and
5 rebounds.

When asked about Howard not being selected as an 2023 All-Star, coach Tanisha Wright said
“she is definitely All-star caliber and I think that shows in the production that she’s had this
season.”

The Sparks have been no stranger to adversity this season and have had to deal with players
missing a total of 52 games because of illness or injury. Samuelson will have x-rays on her foot
and will be ruled out until those result are in. Miller also shared that Rae Burrel(12) played 16
minutes tonight while battling strep throat.

Los Angeles will face the Phoenix Mercury(3-13), Sunday July 9th, at Footprint Center.

Storm can’t upset Liberty despite push in second half as repeated mistakes continue to loom

Charles Hamaker

July 2, 2023

A7409705_fullres — Photo by Stan Morris / fi360 News

Seattle, WA – Lessons continue to be learned for the Seattle Storm, as some growing pains remain prevalent in their third straight loss, falling today to the New York Liberty. Many of the issues that have plagued the Storm were present in this game, from overall lack of paint presence, while issues such as turnovers that had been better as of late were a factor in why Seattle wasn’t able to get back within striking distance of this game. These lessons learned and growing pains experienced will surely help the Storm in the long run, but the frustrations felt from them are visible in the current moment.

Following the opening tipoff for this game, the Storm missed four shots as the Liberty began to build their lead. Seattle’s inability to hit these shots to open the game was a bad start on its own for this game, but also foreshadowed the short of struggles that hindered the Storm’s chances at winning this game. Seattle’s poor shooting tonight was a big factor in their inability to go toe-to-toe with New York, who got production from all five of their starters with little help from their bench. Even the top scoring players for the Storm today, Jewell Loyd and Ezi Magbegor, didn’t have efficient nights from the field while the Seattle bench failed to add scoring outside of Sami Whitcomb, who was also inefficient. Of the many areas of issue in this game for the Storm, shooting and getting consistent scoring from numerous faces in the lineup remains a problem that still hasn’t been solved by Seattle.

“I think we’re growing; I think we’re better than we were at the beginning of the season. For a team like us who are still trying to figure things out, that’s where you want to be,” Jewell Loyd, Seattle Storm shooting guard, on if she thinks the team is in a rut.

Coming out of the halftime break with a deficit of 17, the Storm were in a tough position given the uphill battle they faced in terms of points and talent that they were up against. The push didn’t start immediately for Seattle, as New York pushed their lead up to as much as 22 after Sabrina Ionescu’s three-pointer with 7:24 left in the third quarter. It was after that shot, that the Storm started to dig themselves out of their own hole as Kia Nurse and Jewell Loyd hit three-pointers and Seattle started to get to the free throw line. Even with the shots from beyond the arch and some solid defensive effort to slow down the Liberty for a bit, the Storm weren’t able to go on a run big enough to overcome the double-digit deficit.

“It is quite difficult. I think we’ve proven, as the season has gone on, that we can get ourselves back into games. But that’s not what we want to do, we want to start well, we want to be able to compete with teams from the jump ball and not have to play catch up,” Ezi Magbegor, Seattle Storm center, on having to try to come back from a big deficit.

Today’s loss to the Liberty was the last home game that the Storm will have played prior to the WNBA All-Star break. Seattle doesn’t return home to Climate Pledge Arena until July 20^th, hitting the road for three games during that span. Before they get to that point though, the Storm begin their road trip on Thursday, July 6^th when they battle the Connecticut Sun with a tipoff time of 4PM PST. That game will be broadcast on Amazon Prime Video and will be just the sixth road game that Seattle will have played this season so far.

Storm fall to Lynx in overtime despite Jewell Loyd’s career-high 41

Charles Hamaker

June 29, 2023

Seattle, WA – In the rematch of their Tuesday, June 27^th matchup in Minnesota that saw the Lynx largely control their matchup, the Seattle Storm battled late to force overtime before ultimately falling. Despite Jewell Loyd’s 41-point game and a solid statistical night from the field, the Storm tallied their eleventh loss of the year and still struggle with some of the late game moments that they’ve seen in all but two of those defeats. While Seattle did see big contributions from Loyd, Ezi Magbegor, and Sami Whitcomb off the bench, the Storm didn’t get consistent scoring from the rest of their rotation and missed rookie forward Jordan Horston for another game with a lingering shoulder injury.

Early on in this game, the story in terms of scoring prowess was about Minnesota’s Diamond Miller who helped the Lynx build an eight-point lead after the first quarter. Miller ended that quarter with the game lead in points at nine while also tallying one of each of the key individual statistics, instantly making an impact as the Storm tried to find their footing. On the other end of things, Jewell Loyd was going to be outdone as she poured in seven points while adding four rebounds to help her team in an area that they’ve struggled in for the past few years. While those two players, both with first names relating to gems, had quality starts to the night, Loyd was the one who continued her performance and ultimately showed out for a career night. Loyd went on to score a career-high 41-points on the night with nine-rebounds to flirt with a double-double.

“I think I got to my spots. I wouldn’t say I was too efficient, I missed a lot of easy ones, but just being aggressive,” Jewell Loyd, Seattle Storm guard, on her career night.

Despite Seattle getting the 40-piece from Loyd, the team shot somewhat poorly from the field in the second half and had to battle through a gritty fourth quarter to force overtime. A Jewell Loyd floater with 21 ticks left in the game tied things up, and while Seattle did get a final opportunity to end things off after a Lynx turnover, Loyd’s three-pointer from 44 feet out missed and we headed to extra basketball. Twice during the five-minute overtime period, the Storm held a three-point lead but both times Minnesota was able to respond. After the Storm failed to extend a two-point lead further after a missed Loyd layup, and then turnover after the game had been tied. Lynx forward Napheesa Collier hit a tough turnaround jumper with great defense on her to give Minnesota the lead with 00.9 ticks left, and a Storm prayer at the buzzer was not answered.

“I mean, if we get a rebound. We had a lot of opportunities to get a rebound, we couldn’t. That’s something that we historically have struggled with, is rebounding. We have to get better, because that’s what it comes down to, getting stops and taking care of the ball. That’s on me,” Jewell Loyd, Seattle Storm guard, on the last few possessions of the game.

Following the second loss to Minnesota this week, the Storm will get a couple of days to try and regroup ahead of their next battle, a Sunday, July 1^st battle against the New York Liberty. Despite what all the preseason predictions looked like, the Liberty haven’t necessarily cruised through the season to this point, having lost four games already and nearly falling to the Storm when these teams met back on May 30^th when Breanna Stewart’s third quarter ultimately helped New York pull away. That game on Sunday tips off at 3PM PST on the CBS Sports Network.

Nneka Ogwumike Named 2023 WNBA All-Star Starter

Press Release

June 26, 2023

Ogwumike Earns All-Star Selection for the Eighth Time in 12-year WNBA Career

LOS ANGELES (June 25, 2023) – The WNBA announced today that LA Sparks forward Nneka Ogwumike was named a 2023 WNBA All-Star starter for the second consecutive season. She earns All-Star honors for the eighth time in her WNBA career. The 10 starters were selected by a combination of fan voting (50%), media voting (25%), and player voting (25%). Ogwumike has started and appeared in 12 of 13 Sparks games this season. She is averaging 19.7 points, 9.5 rebounds, and career high 3.5 assists per game – comparable to her league MVP season in 2016. She’s shooting 51.2% from the field, has recorded six double-doubles, and is now the LA Sparks all-time franchise leader in steals with 507. For the 14^th time in her career, Ogwumike was named Western Conference Player of the Week for games played May 29 – June 4.

“It’s one of the ultimate honors,” said Nneka Ogwumike on being named a starter for the 19^th All-Star game to be held at the Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas on July 15. “Being named a starter or an All-Star at all is always a blessing. I am humbled to be able to play alongside such talented, professional women showcasing their amazing skills and athleticism to the fans.”

Ogwumike’s numbers rank her 7^th in the WNBA in points per game, 5^th in rebounds per game, 9^th in steals per game, 6^th in player efficiency, and 9^th in both field goal and 3-point percentage. She’s scored in double-figures in 11 games this season, has eclipsed 20-points seven times, and scored a season-high 27 points on June 3 against the Seattle Storm.

“No one is more deserving of this honor,” said LA Sparks Head Coach, Curt Miller. “Nneka is the consummate leader on and off the court, and I am thrilled that she is recognized for her outstanding start to the season and will represent the LA Sparks at this year’s All-Star game.”

Ogwumike’s career accolades include being the 2016 WNBA MVP, 2016 WNBA Champion, seven-time All-Star, four-time All-WNBA Team member, five-time All-Defensive team member, and a three-time Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award winner. In 2021, she was named to the WNBA’s 25^th Anniversary Team, recognizing the Top 25 players in league history. In addition, Ogwumike is in her third term as WNBA Players Association president.

Ogwumike’s with coach Miller (Photo by Full Image 360)

ABOUT THE LOS ANGELES SPARKS

Founded in 1996, the Los Angeles Sparks are one of three original franchises in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). The Sparks have won three WNBA Championships (2001, 2002, 2016), have qualified for the playoffs in 20 of their 26 seasons and remain the only active team in the league to win back-to-back titles. The Los Angeles Sparks are dedicated to ensuring each home game at Crypto.com Arena has a championship level entertainment experience while showcasing the best female athletes from around the world on the court. LA Sparks 2023 single-game tickets are available here for purchase.

Sparks snatch a win over the Wings

Jevone Moore

June 25, 2023

1RT12526 — Nneka Ogwumike (Photo by Full Image360)

Los Angeles, CA- The Los Angeles Sparks make the right adjustments to have back-back wins over a tough Dallas Wings teams 93-83. This game was a lot closer than the final score shows.

Anther strong performance by newly announced starter All-Star forward Nneka Ogwumike (30) who led her team with 27 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists.

“We don’t want to let each other down,” said Owumike “I don’t play these games by myself”

Wings guard Ogunbowale was all over the court with active hands-on defense and a hot shooting hand. She dropped 18 points, and 8 assists. Ogunbowale’s effort was so high it was rubbing off on her teammates who also began to catch fire.

The Wings starting five was on 2 points shy of all five scoring in double figures but it was enough.

After a tough battle Friday night these teams are right back for a Sunday noon round two. The Wings looking to make a few adjustments to try to win this game. But the Sparks 4^th quarter with only 1 turnover and strong defense.

“We found a better rhythm to their zone,” said Curt Miller “The end of 3^rd quarter set us up for tonight’s win.” (Down by 11 points)

Sparks took 86-81 lead back with 2:51 left after a strong defensive rebound and a Ogwumike basket before a stop.

After the 1^st quarter of play you could see that the were ready for the challenge. They took 26-18 led to start off the game fast and ready to lock in.

But with 1:19 left in the half the Wings took their first lead 42-41 before a defensive three second call tied game back 42-42.

Putting a mark on the game again outside of the stat box is guard Jordin Canada who helped with 9 assists and 10 points while handling the defensive assignment of chasing Ogunbowale all over the court.

Now the Sparks are 3-0 verses the Wings, and ready to hit the road to face off against Chicago Sky on Wednesday June 28^th.