Storm punch first and never look back in complete victory over Lynx

August 3, 2022

NelsonAaron_Seattle_Minnesota_8_2_2022-16 — Photo by Aaron Nelson / fi360 News

Seattle, WA – In their second too last regular season home game of the 2022 season, the Seattle Storm started out with four straight three pointers. That flaming start kicked off a dominant showing that saw a complete team effort that encapsulated the definition of Storm basketball. Lockdown defense, running the floor, and a barrage from beyond the arch would give Seattle their 20th win on the season. The win would also move them one step closer to making sure that the playoffs run through Climate Pledge Arena.

The Storm got great contributions from every member of the starting five, with decent additions by the bench. MVP candidate Breanna Stewart led the way with 33 points and eight rebounds, while every starter except for Tina Charles poured in at least 13 points. There are other circumstances that came into play for Charles, though, as she only attempted two shots and got into foul trouble early.

With Storm legend Lauren Jackson in the building, Seattle showed out, but especially Stewart. Stewart continues to be the leading candidate for the most valuable player award, and her 33-point performance (her season high) only helps that case. When Breanna Stewart is healthy, the Storm tend to win a championship, or at very least make a deep playoff run. Stewart would discuss what it meant to her to have Jackson in the building.

“To me, LJ is obviously a legend, one of the best to ever do it, the fact that we have similar paths now after being drafted in Seattle… Growing up, she was one of the players that I was looking up to because of her versatility, the inside-out game. To be able to have her here, obviously it’s an honor, I think it’s amazing for her to be here for Sue and you want to put on a show for her. She’s definitely someone that I look up to, and we said it in the locker room, but she helped build what we are with the Storm. Really appreciating that and never forgetting it,” Stewart remarked.

For the Storm, the road to finish out the regular season is a bumpy one. Seattle will have to face the two teams tied for the most wins in the league, and this same Lynx team that is battling for a playoff spot.

The schedule does not favor Seattle to end the regular season, as their last three games are away from home. The order of those games goes Chicago (best record in the league), Minnesota (vying for a playoff spot), and Vegas (second best record in the league). I asked head coach Noelle Quinn about the importance of gaining momentum in these two final home games, and here is her answer.

“It’s extremely important. To be playing well, to garner the momentum that is needed to sustain us to the end of the year. You don’t wanna jump to far ahead, tonight is very important. Minnesota is in the playoff race as well; we know what type of fight and sense of urgency that they are gonna come out with. We have to match that, that is the type of vibe and feel needed in the postseason… It’s important to play at a high level to jump start us into this tough road trip ahead,” Quinn said.

The Storm get a few days off before returning to play, when they will tip off at Climate Pledge Arena for the final time in the regular season. Sue Bird and Briann January’s final home regular season game of their career will come in a tough battle against the Las Vegas Aces.

Seattle, sitting at second in the Western Conference, will need to win out in order to secure the highest overall seed and home court for the duration of the postseason. If they want to do that, they have to go through Vegas twice, starting with Sunday’s matchup that tips off at 12PM PST on ABC.

Not this for Nneka

Eric Lambkins II

July 31, 2022

WNBA: JUL 21 Atlanta Dream at Los Angeles Sparks — Nneka Ogwumike (#30) / fi360 News

Los Angeles, CA – Do not let the box score fool you. The Los Angeles Sparks 84-77 loss to the Minnesota Lynx was not closer than the box score would suggest. Yes, Los Angeles had spurts that made the game intriguing, but this game saw the Sparks fall behind by 20 points during the game.

The lone person Los Angeles can depend on showing up, night in, and night out, is Nneka Ogwumike. She scored 23 points and five rebounds were the lone bright spot against the Lynx.

After Liz Cambage abruptly walked out of the locker room and away from the team, Cambage took the expectations of this team making the playoffs. This team, if not this franchise, is in disarray. If by some miracle they make it to the playoffs, whomever they face in the first round will be a big challenge for them.

As the questionable detention of Brittney Griner has overshadowed the season, Ogwumike will probably head on a plane to Russia when the season ends to play to earn a living that her meager American salary does not support.

Ogwumike has watched future Hall-of-Fame players Candance Parker and Chelsea Gray depart for greener pastures in recent years and now is the lone cornerstone of the struggling franchise as of late.

Long gone is the Sparks’ first-round pick, and so is the general manager and head coach Derek Fisher that packaged it for guard Chennedy Carter. If Fred Williams is not the long-term solution as head coach. What becomes of Ogwumike?

Does Los Angeles bring in someone like Michael Cooper or Lisa Leslie to lead this franchise and establish a missing culture, or will Ogwumike watch her remaining years in the WNBA squandered? She deserves more than this roster. But unfortunately, no one can consistently alleviate the nightly pressures she faces. This team still searching for it’s identity and direction, and Nneka Ogwumike deserves more.

Soccer Champions Tour 2022

Mykell Mathieu

July 30, 2022

Nickerson Jr -400 — Karim Benzema converts from the penalty spot for Real Madrid's first goal. Photo by Brenton Tse / fi360 News

Pasadena, CA – The final leg of the Soccer Champions Tour ends with a bang with the matchup between Real Madrid and Juventus.

Tonight’s Real Madrid 2 – 0 victory gave the fans something to cheer about all the way to the parking lot tailgates after parties.

This year’s SCT consisted of 5 of the most globally known clubs in soccer. Juventus, Chivas De Guadalajara, Real Madrid, FC Barcelona and Club America who played in 4 iconic venues here in the United States.

Eden Hazard clears the ball out of his own box. Photo by Brenton Tse / fi360 News

The final stop took place at the very iconic Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, CA. In front of a sellout crowd of more than 93,000 screaming fans, Madrid and Juve were looking to give their American fans an exciting game and they didn’t fail.

A goal in the first minute of play had the crowd in a roar, but, offsides was called on Real Madrid to take away the early score. Real Madrid were in attack mode early and often.

In the 18th minute, Karim Benzema (Real Madrid) converted a penalty kick to gain a 1-0 lead.

Juan Cuadrado and Dani Ceballos jostle for the ball. Photo by Brenton Tse / fi360 News

Back and forth play led to some close calls for each club but no luck. After the first 45 minutes Real Madrid held unto a single score lead.

In the 68th minute, Jesús Vallejo (Real Madrid) after some very nice moves assisted Marco Asensio who scored the second goal of the game.

Madrid dominated this friendly by controlling the time of possession which included a shot advantage of as well

Win or lose, the players and coaches just enjoyed the experience of playing in the states.

“The energy of the crowd has all been love everywhere we have gone” said Madrid’s coach Carlo Ancelotti.

Karim Benzema attempts to shoot past Mattia Perin. Photo by Brenton Tse / fi360 News

Juventus midfielder Di María talked about the experience at the Rose Bowl, “It’s a place where people don’t get to see these clubs much,” he said. “The stadiums are always full. The results in these games don’t have much influence. We try to make it a nice show.”

The two teams will now look to prepare for games that matter after entertaining the Southern California crowd.

Charles and Stewart power Storm past Dream in 82-72 victory

Charles Hamaker

July 24, 2022

NelsonAaron_Seattle_Indiana_7_17_2022-5 — Photo by Aaron Nelson / fi360 News

Seattle, WA – Behind the great performances of Tina Charles and Breanna Stewart, the Seattle Storm were able to avenge their July 3rd loss to Atlanta. Seattle takes the season series 2-1 against the Dream, thanks in part to Charles and Stewart combining for 50 of the 82 Storm points. The stifling Seattle defense again did their job, creating nightmares for the Dream as they were held to a 34.5% from the field.

Storm center Tina Charles had her best game as a member of the Seattle franchise, posting a monstrous 27 point and 15 rebound stat line. Add four blocks to that, and you get a small idea of what Atlanta had to deal with when Charles was on the court. In the past two games, Charles has overtaken Ezi Magbegor for the starting role, and showed out, notching consecutive double-double efforts. Teammate Breanna Stewart discussed the importance of Charles’ involvement in the offense, and Charles herself would discuss switching into a starting role.

Atlanta Dream guard Rhyne Howard (10) shoots.

“There’s definitely an extra effort to get Tina the ball. Especially today when she was on the block, trying to find her because she was in a really good groove. Atlanta was leaving her open from the perimeter, so she was able to score from all over the floor,” Stewart stated.

In regards to starting on the bench but now starting, Charles said “It really helped to come off of the bench when I first got here, just being able to watch Stewie and Ezi and their movements within the offense. Just knowing that your role changes as the team changes, this is a different team, and my role has changed. That’s the beauty of being able to adjust.”

Seattle’s calling card for the season has been their suffocating defense, which often jumpstarts their offensive attack and transition. From the length of Breanna Stewart, the basketball IQ of Jewell Loyd and Sue Bird, to the shot blocking ability of Ezi Magbegor and Tina Charles. Seattle has different tools all over their starters and bench to cause issues for opposing teams, and that continued in this matchup. Atlanta was held to 34.5% from the field and only 24%, as leading scorer Rhyne Howard was held to 30% from the field.

The Storm have been able to stay the course despite losses here and there throughout their schedule. Outside of a stretch that came right after the season opener, the Storm have not lost more than three games in a row. Seattle has a tough task in their next matchup, as they look to avoid a season sweep by the Connecticut Sun. Tipoff is at 4PM PST on July 28th inside of Mohegan Sun arena.

Mookie’s Milestone Night

Joseph Whalen

July 23, 2022

Los Angeles Ca – Dodger Stadium played host to the 2022 All-Star game earlier this week. So it’s only fitting all-star Mookie Betts carried over All-Star weekend atmosphere as he connected with career home run number 200 off of Alex wood in the third inning Los Angeles starting pitcher Julio Urias turn in an all-star performance of his own going six innings two hits and no runs allowed. Helps propel the Dodgers to the third Street victory Over the rivals from the north to start the second half.

Betts waited till the third for number 200 just to make it a tad bit more memorable shortstop Trea turner phone Mookie with a solo shot of zone going back to back and making it to nothing Dodgers, Best solo Homer ended five consecutive strikeouts I Giants starting pitcher Alex would (w-6 L-7 4.21era). Freddie Freeman extended his hitting streak with a 7th inning bomb to right field.

All of Los Angeles is 17 runs scored in this series have come with two outs Giants pitchers unable to finish anybody off 17 consecutive runs scored with two outs something that hasn’t happened in nearly 50 years.

San Francisco Giants Austin Slater went to for four with a single in a double to start the game giving LA pictures Fits It’s finally been retired in the eighth inning. Los Angele’s David Price out of the bullpen as closer Craig Kimbrel had the night off.

Tonight’s win makes it 17 out of the last 20 for Los Angeles Dodgers this victory leaves the NL West leaders nipping at the heels of the Yankees for the best record in baseball. Big Clayton Kershaw goes for the boys in blue tomorrow as they look the complete the four-game sweep of the San Francisco Giants for the first time since 1995

The Sparks crush the Dream

Jevone Moore

July 21, 2022

Los Angeles, CA – The Los Angeles Sparks keep it rollin’ defeating the Atlanta Dream 85-78 on Sparky’s Birthday. A great gift while protecting home court.

A balance team win with four players for the Sparks scoring in double figures. Chiney Ogwumike scored 15 points, 7 rebounds to be a great one-two punch.

“Slowly but surely, we are finding our identity,” said C. Ogwumike.

Chiney Ogwumike (13) on defense. Photo by fi360 News

The dream kept the game exciting in second half breaking the Sparks 10-point cushion cutting the lead to 4 points. The Sparks lead by N. Ogwumike dropping 20 points to follow up Tuesday night 35-point night.

A very physical game, it seemed like bodies were hitting the ground constantly for both teams. With 2:20 left in the game Dream forward Tiffany Hayes had to be assisted off the court with unknown injury lipping back to the training room.

Dream coach Tanisha Wright stuck to her rotation to keep her players fresh only having 10 players suited up for the game.

Rhyne Howard (10) slowing down Katie Lou Samuelson (33)

The Sparks jumped out to an earlier first quarter 10-point lead 26-16. Chennedy “Hollywood” Carter gave great energy of the bench with a quick 5 points and a conventional three-point play from the line after a foul.

“Big spark for us today and getting to the rim (Chennedy Carter),” said coach Fred Williams, “I was very pleased with her play tonight.”

To start off the second quarter Lexi Brown dropped a three-pointer to keep the momentum with the Sparks and build on 29-18 lead.

The earlier start time was for a special annual summer camp campers to see the WNBA players play. The Los Angeles Sparks also celebrate their mascot Sparky birthday, who knows how old he is dog years?

“We have so many cool kids here tonight,” said C. Ogwumike

The WNBA 1^st pick of the 2022 draft Atlanta Dream Rhyne Howard who averaging 15.1 points per game as a rookie.

The Dream are currently resting in 6^th place in the league coming down the stretch for a good playoff position. They were on a two-game winning streak coming into today’s game.

They will have to rebound after today’s lose and travel to Seattle to play Sunday July 24^th.

The Sparks now will travel to Las Vegas to play the Aces and try to steal a road win. The Sparks record is now 12-14 one step closer to .500.

Nneka Ogwumike drops 35 on the Fever

Jevone Moore

July 19, 2022

Los Angeles, CA – The Los Angeles Sparks engine Nneka Ogwumike drops a season high 35 points to keep the Indiana Fever at the bottom with a 86-79 victory at Crypto.com Arena.

The Fever kept the game tight for almost 45 minutes but we know you have to play a full 48 minutes to get the win.

Whatever N. Ogwumike team needed she provided, from diving on the ground for loose balls to boxing out for rebounds. She was the ultimate teammate showing off her full MVP game.

“I know what I have to do to win,” said Ogwumike, “We did well to get the team win.”

Fever looked to press the paint earlier putting C. Ogwumike in early foul trouble making Sparks coach Fred Williams go to bench maybe earlier than anticipated.

The bench players stepped up scoring 17 critical points to push the team off their three-game losing streak.

Guard Jordin Canada dropped team high 8 assists along with 11 points. Canada directed the offense in the right direction to make sure down the stretch the victory was won.

The Fever have had a rough season dropping 9 games in a row with only 5 wins this season coming into this battle with the Sparks. In their last meeting in Indianapolis the Fever took the win over the Sparks 101-96.

Guard Kelsey Mitchell has led the Fever average 18.6 points and 4 assist per game. Mitchell is only player to have made an appearance all 27 games this season.

Mitchell pushed hard scoring 12 points and getting her teammates involved.

Now Tiffany Mitchell did the heavy lifting tonight scoring 22 points grabbing 4 rebounds off the bench.

The steady rock still is N. Ogwumike only missing one game for the WNBA All Star game travel playing in 23 of the 24 games averaging 18.3 points and 7.1 rebounds a game from her forward position. Continued to show coach Fred Williams to make sure the offense and defense run through his super star.

“Huge, huge, win we need this for some type of homestead to protect home court.”, said N. Ogwumike.

Next up the Sparks will host a 12:30pm Thursday camp game where they will also celebrate Sparky’s Birthday on July 21 back here at Crypto.com Arena.

Sparky and DJ Mal-ski – Photo by fi360 News

Storm continue to find rhythm in 81-65 win over Fever

Charles Hamaker

July 17, 2022

Seattle, WA – For the third time this season, the Seattle Storm defeated the Indiana Fever. The July 17th win would be Seattle’s fourth in a row, pitting them just a game behind the Las Vegas Aces for second in the Western Conference. Seattle’s defensive grinded out another great lock down performance, while MVP candidate Breanna Stewart led the Storm on offense. With the win, Seattle continues to inch towards their potential of a title contender, and they seem to be finding their rhythm at the right time.

Seattle’s defense has been their calling card all season long, setting the tone for the type of game that they want to play. Storm basketball in 2022 has been play tough, attacking defense, and your offensive firepower will wear your opponent down. Seattle likes to play in transition as well, that combined with their stamina makes them a very tough team to keep up with. This formula worked for Seattle in this game, with the added factor of their bench, which has improved their play as of late. Tina Charles discussed her impact off of the bench, while teammate Breanna Stewart reflected on what Charles brings to the team.

“It’s not what I see on the court, it’s just who I am. That’s just preparation meeting opportunity, that’s all it is. Regardless of the situation, I am going to try and be as dominant as I can. I try to take advantage of every opportunity, and I love to score. I think everybody knows that, so I was just taking advantage there,” Charles remarked.

“Tina brings a lot; everyone knows that she is an amazing player and one of the best in our league. The way that she can really affect and change a game is big, but if I’m being completely honest the thing that she has brought has just been confidence. I could see the confidence that the rest of the team gets and thriving off of what she brings,” Stewart said about her teammate.

Storm forward Breanna Stewart, nicknamed the Queen, is gunning for more gold this season. While Stewart already has plenty of hardware including two WNBA titles, two WNBA Finals MVPs, she’s looking to add a second league MVP award. Stewart led the way for the Storm in this game, totaling 25 points and flirting with a double-double thanks to eight rebounds. Simply put, Seattle has gotten performances like these out of Stewart regularly, as she leads the league in points per game, and is second in steals per game and offensive efficiency.

Earlier in the season, prior to Tina Charles being signed, it seemed like Seattle may have found their footing as they had won eight of their ten games from May 18th through June 14th. The addition of Charles stirred controversy at first, as some were worried that adding her so late into the season could mess up the chemistry in the Storm locker room. Charles has been finding her rhythm with Seattle, mentoring budding star center Ezi Magbegor, and the Storm have won six of their last seven. Seattle is clicking at the right time, it’s up to them to keep it up and potentially lock up the top seed in the West.

The Storm get back to business on July 20th as they travel to battle the defending champions. Seattle will tipoff against the Chicago Sky in a unique 9AM PST start time. A marquee matchup against one of the best franchises in the WNBA and the defending league champs gets an early start time, but the action won’t be sparse. A big matchup for two teams coming into the game with four game win streaks and considering the cream of the crop in the WNBA.

Dodgers defeat the Cardinals with Betts

Joseph Whalen

July 15, 2022

St. Louis, MI – Tyler Anderson took the mound in the show me state with his left arm on full display completely stifling the St. Louis bats 4 strike outs 2 BB 3 hits and no runs over 6 IP in a dominant performance.

Dodgers take 2 of 3 from St. Louis. Not to be out done Freddie Freeman’s scorching bat has been smoking since Tuesday. Freeman went 9-11 1 HR batting .818 in the three game set top of the 6th Freeman was finally retired of reaching safely in nine straight

Dakota Hudson and Tyler Anderson held bats scoreless until the top of the fourth frame when Justin Turner RBI single broke the tie drives in Freeman.

In the 6th inning a Trea Turner single off of Hudson’s glove proved huge as will smith would double to left center scoring Turner to make 2-0 giving Smith an RBI in six straight games.

Paul Goldschmidt did his best to get the Cards on the broad in the 6th swing and driving in Anderson first offering to deep right Mookie Betts had to be on his horse and he was tracking it down just before the right field wall for the first out but Mookie wasn’t done just yet very next batter Dylan Carlson laced one down right field line headed for second Mookie with a spin move and a double pump fired a one hop strike to SS Trea Turner to nail Carlson at 2nd.

Goldschmit and Carlson at bats were the only threats the Dodgers pitchers would face in 9 frames today. St. Louis falls to 48-44 in the Central, Los Angeles improves to 58-30 as they hold a 9.5 game lead in the West. The Cardinals host the Reds next, while the Dodgers visit Angeles pitchers Hudson L 6-6, Anderson w 10-1

Sky takes down the Sparks again

Eric Ramos

July 14, 2022

sparks-5259 — Photo by Brandon Bashir / fi360 News

Los Angeles, CA – Chicago Sky rookie Rebekah Gardner scored 18 points with 10 rebounds to help defeat the Los Angeles Sparks 80-68 on Thursday night at Crypto.com Arena.

“It’s hard because she wasn’t in the draft conversations,” Chicago Sky coach James Wade said on Gardner’s case for Rookie of the Year. “If she was in the draft, you would pick her. She’d be a lottery pick. She deserves to be in (Rookie of the Year) conversations, and she showed why tonight.”

Azura Stevens added 14 points and former Spark Candace Parker grabbed 11 rebounds as the Sky improved to 18-6 on the season. Parker was held scoreless for the first time in her career.

“This is a game that epitomizes the way she plays,” Wase said. “She doesn’t have to score to affect the game. Sometimes your shot doesn’t fall. We know she’ll make shots next game.”

Nneka Ogwumike, who led the Sparks with 16 points, eclipsed 5,000 career points and became the 23rd player in WNBA history to score more than 5,000 points. She joins Lisa Leslie and Parker as the only Sparks’ players to reach that milestone.

“I’m proud to have done it,” Ogwumike said. “Legacy is important for me. To be in company with Lisa and CP, that’s really huge. I’m grateful to be able to achieve that with a Sparks jersey.”

Los Angeles took a 17-16 lead at the end of the first quarter but were held to 11 points in the second quarter. They were able to get the deficit down to single digits but went into halftime down 37-28.

Chicago led by as many as 18 points in the second half and out scored the Sparks 52-31 in the second and third quarter. The Sparks went cold during that span, shooting 38.5 percent and turning the ball over 13 times. The Sparks will look to rebound from the loss when they host the Indiana Fever mom Tuesday, July 19. Chicago is back in action on Saturday against the Dallas Wings