Storm Put Out the Fever 85-62

Seattle is on their first winning streak of the season after back-to-back victories!

(Indianapolis, Indiana) - Seattle is going streaking! After going winless for over an entire month, the Seattle Storm have now won back-to-back games for the first time all season. They were strong from the get-go and outscored Indiana in three out of the four quarters. Seattle closed the game out to pick up an impressive 23-point victory with a final score of 85-62.

The Storm were led by the WNBA’s leading scorer, Jewell Loyd. Loyd finished with a game-high 26 points, eight assists, four rebounds, and two steals. The eight assists were a season-high. Jewell also shot the ball very well connecting on 7-15 FG overall (47%), 50% from three-point range, and a perfect 9-9 from the FT line. Jewell was in full command of the game being able to score at all three levels while also knowing when to get her teammates involved.

“It’s a testament to how she’s played this entire season. The biggest thing is those eight assists. Be mindful of that even if she has a physical defender on her. Making those reads even if she sees those traps now. Knowing where her teammates are going to be or should be. That’s also some growth in her offensive repertoire as it relates to all the coverages she’s seen. The free throw line is big for Jewell. When she’s receiving a lot of pressure to still be able to put pressure at the rim and get to the free throw line really helps her settle in and get those easy points without all of the defense hovering over her.” Coach Noelle Quinn told me.

“I think Lexie Hull is a strong defender. She’s physical. She’s always in her space. She doesn’t die on screens. I think for Jewell to still be able to excel against a defender like that just shows how talented she is.” She added.

Loyd gave her thoughts on drawing contact and getting to the foul line.

“You know, when their hands are on you 100% of the game you should be getting those calls. 1) Protecting the players and 2) To get to my area I need to be able to clear my space to shoot. Maybe it’s bad defense or just better offense.” Jewell told me.

Sami Whitcomb earned her third start in a row, and scored all nine of her points in the first period as Seattle got out to a seven-point lead. Whitcomb also added six assists and four rebounds. The six assists were only behind Loyd on either team. A combined 14 assists from your starting backcourt is a real positive sign of Seattle’s improved offense.

The Storm have now won two out of the three games Whitcomb has started; they were in a great position to win the other game against New York where they just fell short.

Another key factor in Seattle’s win streak is the improved play of Gabby Williams. Williams scored in double figures for the second straight game. After scoring 17 points against Chicago, she added 14 points on Sunday against the Fever. While she was a little sloppy with the ball at times committing four turnovers. She made up for it on the defensive end collecting three steals. She also added four assists.

Lastly, rookie Jordan Horston continues to look like the steal of the WNBA Draft. Horston is getting more and more comfortable as the season progresses. She finished with 15 points on 64% (7-11 FG) shooting. Horston showed a strong variety on offense getting into the paint, scoring over smaller defenders, and knocking down a few outside shots including one three-pointer.

If you missed the game and have the WNBA League Pass, go back and watch the second quarter. Horston’s enticing potential is on full display. She scored 10 points in the period with an assortment of moves. As Dick Fain indicated on the broadcast, just imagine what she’ll be in three or four years from now (in her prime).

“She was just active. (Jordan) felt really good. For her, she sees two go in and (it boosts her confidence). Getting to her kill spots. We were hyped for her. We kept getting the ball to her because she was in a really good groove. When she’s locked in and believes she should be able to do these things she’s a different player. She was locked in on both sides of the floor tonight. That’s who she is.” Jewell praised her rookie.

“She changes everything when she’s on the floor. Like Jewell said, when she’s in that moment in the right mindset, she impacts every aspect of the game.” Gabby chimed in.

Seattle played so well in this game. They outshot the Fever by a significant margin connecting on 53% (31-58 FG) compared to Indiana’s 38% (25-66 FG). The Storm were twice as good from beyond the arc hitting 50% (12-24 FG) to the Fever’s 25% (4-16 FG). Seattle had the edge in rebounding (28-27), assists (23-17), blocked shots (5-2), and steals (11-8).

Their bench outscored Indiana’s reserves 30-13 led by Horston’s 15. Mercedes Russell had another solid game adding six points and four rebounds. She was also a perfect 3-3 on her field goals.

Indiana Fever

The Fever were led by Kelsey Mitchell who scored 19 points. She also tied Erica Wheeler with five assists to lead Indiana. Wheeler added nine points including five in the first quarter. She was the third leading scorer on the team.

Front-Runner for Rookie of the Year, Aliyah Boston, had a very solid game with 14 points and seven rebounds. However, Seattle did a really good job of slowing her down, limiting her to just four points in the first half. Mercedes Russell did a good job frustrating Boston and forcing her into difficult shots. As a team, the Storm threw traps at her to limit the damage. Their help defense was effective at knocking Boston off of her game.

“I thought her physicality was there. Her positioning was also there. We were trapping Boston. The first part of that is the one-on-one positioning. I thought ‘Cedes was very mindful of that. There weren’t a lot of times where Boston was buried and ducking in. That was very good to see the physicality from that standpoint. The biggest thing too, was the rebounding. Not giving up a lot of O-Boards. We picked up a lot of fouls toward the end of that half but prior to that, our verticality was there where we were contesting shots without fouling. Our defense coverages and general positioning was really good.” Coach Quinn stated on Russell’s defense.

Jewell Loyd also praised her teammate’s defense.

“Cedes is a vet. She’s been in this league. She’s guarded literally some of the greatest post-players ever. Knowing her presence and her frame, she’s just really smart. Also, to not get into foul trouble too. It’s tough to be down there, banging constantly in the post. But she does a great job understanding personnel and knowing her strengths too. Cedes is our anchor down in the post.” Loyd added.

Indiana did force the Storm into 18 turnovers where they scored 15 points from those mistakes. That was negated a bit as Seattle also forced the Fever into 18 turnovers scoring 21 points off of those turnovers.

They did have the edge in fast break (9-4) and second-chance points (13-8).

NaLyssa Smith’s absence was noticeable for the Fever. They struggled to score without her and Seattle’s defense was able to put more focus on double-teaming Aliyah Boston.

Game Breakdown

Seattle got off to another nice start as Ezi Magbegor sank a jumper and Sami Whitcomb knocked. down a triple to give the Storm a quick 5-0 lead one minute into the contest.

Back-to-back turnovers by Gabby Williams allowed the Fever to take the lead scoring off both of those turnovers. Loyd then got tied up by Aliyah Boston. After Boston won the tip, Erica Wheeler scored on an AND1 to cap off a 9-0 run by Indiana.

Jewell then found Whitcomb in the corner who knocked down her second triple in the opening quarter. Gabby nearly turned the ball over again on a two-on-one fast break with an errant pass to Loyd but Sami was able to recover the ball before it went out of bounds. Whitcomb then swung the pass back out to Loyd for the triple.

Williams was then able to get another steal and the team used good ball movement to find Whitcomb in the corner for her third three-ball. That put the Storm up 18-11 as Seattle went on their own 11-0 run.

Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston each scored on layups. Jewell knocked down a three. Then Emma Cannon got fouled and converted both free throws.

Gabby hit an outside jumper and Ezi split a pair of free throws to close out the quarter. Seattle led 24-17 after one.

The Storm exploded for a 9-2 run to begin the second period. Jordan Horston was everywhere collecting rebounds and scoring six of those points. Gabby Williams added a three-pointer from the top of the arc.

Coach complimented Jordan’s performance.

“I thought she was decisive in that run. I thought everything was to the rim, athletic and physical. There was not a lot of hesitation with her reads whether it was her jumper, (going) to the rim, her creation for others. I also thought defensively she was active. When she plays like that at a high level. where she’s able to start the break or get us some good paint points. I think it really enhances what she does for the entire game. I thought that quarter was special for her.” Quinn told me.

A midrange shot by Mercedes Russell put the Storm up 20 at 39-19. Jewell would score five more points before Indiana would score again. Kelsey Mitchell made two of four free throws and sank one from beyond the arc. Joyner Holmes checked in and knocked down a three as well. Then Victaria Saxton hit one in the final 10 seconds before halftime.

Seattle led 47-27 at the midway point. The Storm were blistering hot shooting nearly 59% from the floor overall and an incredible 62% from beyond the arc. Their defense was stingy limiting Indiana to just 30% FG shooting and 22% from long range. Seattle had a slight rebounding edge (13-10). The only real negative for the Storm in those first twenty minutes were the 12 turnovers they committed.

Indiana made a strong push to begin the third quarter outscoring Seattle 15-6 to cut the Storm’s 20-point lead down to 11 at 53-42. Baskets by Williams and Russell were countered by shots from Victoria Vivians and Erica Wheeler.

An offensive rebound by Aliyah Boston resulted in another layup and a three-ball by Kelsey Mitchell cut the lead down to six at 57-51. Seattle looked completely out of sorts and all the momentum was on the Fever’s side.

Fortunately, they turned things around. The Storm closed the quarter on a 5-0 run (all by Loyd) to lead 62-51 entering the final frame. They continued that strong play into the fourth holding the Fever scoreless through the first four minutes. Gabby Williams got a layup and Kia Nurse hit a three to put the Storm back up 16.

Boston split of pair of free throws and then scored on a nice cut to the rim to score the Fever’s first points after Indiana had been held scoreless for over five minutes between the third and the fourth.

Loyd was able to draw more contact for free throws and then hit a ridiculous fallaway jumper. Jordan then got a steal and tossed the ball ahead to Gabby who finished at the rim. With Seattle now leading by 21 points (75-54) and less than four minutes to go, the route was officially on.

Horston scored on an assist by Williams. Then she knocked down a three-ball with about 90 seconds left in the game. Emma Cannon and Kristy Wallace were able to score on the other end for Indiana.

Coach Quinn was able to empty her bench and insert Jade Melbourne, Ivana Dojkić, Yvonne Turner, and Joyner Holmes. Melbourne knocked down a three-pointer on her only shot attempt in the final minute of the game.

Saxton scored once more for the Fever before the final buzzer. In the end, Seattle came away with an 85-62 victory.

Additional Analysis

Noticeable Improvement

It does appear that the Seattle Storm have turned a little bit of a corner here. They were the worst team in the WNBA through the first 20 games this season. They set a new franchise (low) record with 10 straight losses. However, they now have their first win streak of the season. Seattle nearly went a perfect 3-0 on this road trip. They would have if not for a late fourth quarter collapse against New York.

Even still, you could see the momentum the team was building from that New York game. While it didn’t result in a victory on that night they were building towards something. That was on full display with a dominant rebounding performance in Chicago and a nine-point victory over the Sky. Then an even more impressive win over the Fever in Indiana.

I spoke with both Jewell Loyd and Coach Quinn about what really stood out to them and the differences they saw in their team.

“We made up our minds coming out on this road trip that we’re going to compete. That’s what we’re going to do! Whoever is ready to do that that’s who it’s going to be. We shifted our mindset to be really committed to out-working people; staying in games no matter what the score is. You’ve seen our production and our activity level has increased. We’re not so worried about the outcome. We’re just worried about being there for each other and just competing every day and every possession. That’s what we’ve been telling each other in the locker room. That’s what we were happy about today and the day before.” Jewell stated.

“Gabby’s back…” Quinn said with a smile on her face.

“She’s rounding herself into shape. There is a lot of familiarity with that unit that starts our game. In three consecutive games, we started well. I also think there is a lot more experience on the floor; just confidence in a lot of ways. We’ve been in a lot of different situations this year. This road trip in particular, we’ve matured and grown up. The camaraderie is there. The energy is there. The accountability to each other and one another has been there. It shows in their play. The last part about that, now we’re shooting the basketball decently. Knowing how we can get stops and understanding what it takes to be in games. Now it’s about finishing games and completing them.” Coach went on to say.

When asked further about Gabby’s improvements coach had this to say.

“Being on the floor with Sami and Jewell, all of those players can initiate. If Gabby isn’t solely in one position. She’s able to play point guard, be on the wing a little bit, post up, and be a facilitator. Those are all attributes that she has in her game. We have to remember she was out for a little bit getting herself into shape. She hadn’t played basketball in a while. As far as practicing, being in the game, getting those reps it takes time. I’m glad she’s finding rhythm and comfort with the group she’s on the floor with. It’s (her) confidence as well. The experience I had with her last year. I know what she brings, what she can do. Her presence on the floor makes us better!” Quinn added.

Defense Wins Games

What really stood out in this game was Seattle’s defense and their ability to completely shut down the Fever for long stretches of time. In the second quarter, as the Storm really began to separate themselves Seattle went on a 20-2 run. They held the Fever to just two points through the first eight minutes of the period. That allowed them to open up a 20-point halftime lead.

Towards the end of the third quarter, Indiana had rallied to cut that lead down to just six points with about a minute left in the period. It looked like it was going to be anyone’s game at that moment. But over the next five minutes, Seattle held Indiana scoreless. Including the final minute of the third, the Storm outscored the Fever 28-11 the rest of the way.

I spoke with Gabby about what the Storm did so well defensively during those stretches.

“I think our rotations were great. It was pretty obvious that everyone was locked in on the scout like Jewell said. We executed well. I had trust in my teammates that they were going to make the next rotation. That they would do the right scheme on the right ball fakes. That changes everything because (Indiana) was making good extra passes. They were moving the ball but we still reacted well.” Williams told me.

“During the fourth quarter, that was an important movement for us to get stops. That showed a lot of maturity and growth. We were able to hold them in the fourth quarter after they made their little run.” Gabby added.

Coach Quinn talked about that second quarter run as well.

“Getting stops. We were just on a string with our rotations. Obviously, bringing a lot of bodies to Boston and to Mitchell. I thought our connectivity on that end was great. It really impacted what we did on the offensive end. Knocking down open shots and creating for each other. Really, a lot of fluidity on both ends of the basketball court.” Quinn added.

Coach Dan Hughes on Commentary

I wrote a long time ago on why I cover the Storm, because I felt they didn’t get the media coverage they deserve compared to the Seahawks, Mariners, or Sonics got while I was growing up. But as someone who did consistently read the sports section of the newspaper and listened to Sports Radio, I’ve heard Fain and Woodward on the radio a lot throughout my years. I think they’re both really good at their jobs.

With that said, I LOVED hearing former Seattle Storm Coach Dan Hughes on the commentary as the color analyst alongside Dick Fain on Sunday’s broadcast. It was a pleasant surprise to hear coach again.

On top of that, I really appreciated his breakdowns and observations, especially coming from the viewpoint of a coach. He pointed out a lot of little things that made a big difference in the plays.

It was also great to hear about his life after coaching and what he’s been up to. And how he’s been involved in helping younger coaches. That was really cool to hear and I’m happy to know he’s doing well.

I would enjoy hearing him on commentary more often even if it’s just two to three games a season.

Up Next

The Seattle Storm (6-19) return home to face the Dallas Wings (14-11) on Wednesday, August 2nd at 7:30 PM PDT. Despite their loss to the Las Vegas Aces on Sunday, Dallas has been one of the best teams in the WNBA during the month of July winning seven out of their last ten games.

Notes:
Follow my Twitter (@WNBAStormChaser)
I’m also on the new Threads app (@WNBAStormChasers)
Photo Credits to Seattle Storm/WNBA Photography
Thanks for all the great support! Please tell other Storm fans about my coverage.