Seven months after the Storm swept the Aces in the 2020 WNBA Finals, they met again Saturday in the season opener for both teams. And again, Seattle came out on top in a 97-83 win.
After struggling to gain momentum early in the game, the Storm started to turn things around late in the first quarter, exploiting the Aces’ defense.
2021 started how 2020 ended. 😤#TakeCover pic.twitter.com/4dSi1Q1M8L
— Seattle Storm (@seattlestorm) May 15, 2021
Once Seattle’s offense heated up, it was hard for the Aces to contain them. The Storm shot 54 percent from the field in the first half.
Toward the end of the second quarter, the Storm responded to an 8-0 Aces run with one of their own. Breanna Stewart, the MVP of last year’s Finals series, knocking down a 3 to put Seattle up by nine at the half.
The Storm took charge of the game in the third, with Stewart amassing 19 points and 10 rebounds heading into the fourth quarter.
Seattle balled out in the 3Q ‼️@breannastewart has 19 PTS, 10 REB headed into the 4th
— WNBA (@WNBA) May 15, 2021
📺 ABC pic.twitter.com/xIZJq3Gq3r
Another 3-point dagger from Stewart sealed the Storm’s season-opening win.
Starting off the Commissioner's Cup with a win! 💪#StormWins#TakeCover pic.twitter.com/oB0GZk8MQo
— Seattle Storm (@seattlestorm) May 15, 2021
Stewart finished the game with 28 points and 13 rebounds, while teammate Jewell Loyd put up 22 points, six assists and four rebounds.
The Aces will have a chance at redemption when the teams face off again Tuesday in Seattle.