The Seattle Storm got their second win of the season Wednesday, taking down the Chicago Sky 74-71 behind a high-powered performance from Ezi Magbegor.
The 22-year-old Australian tied her career high of 21 points while adding six rebounds, four assists and two blocks in the win. It’s the second straight game in which she’s been a factor on offensive while filling in for an injured Mercedes Russell in the starting lineup.
.@ezimagbegor ties her career-high 21 PTS to lead all scorers in the @seattlestorm win🔥 pic.twitter.com/vJTDOk7ZgO— WNBA (@WNBA) May 19, 2022
.@ezimagbegor ties her career-high 21 PTS to lead all scorers in the @seattlestorm win🔥 pic.twitter.com/vJTDOk7ZgO
“When Ezi is aggressive, everyone is able to play off of her,” said Breanna Stewart, who made her return from health and safety protocols Wednesday night. “Her taking on a bigger role and realizing that and embracing it is obviously going to help her continue to grow in her career.
“But also know, whatever Ezi wants to do she can do on the court and I’m going to read off of her and Sue (Bird) is going to read off of her and Jewell (Loyd) is going to read off of her because we know the type of player she is and can continue to be. When Ezi plays like she did tonight, it can only help our team.”
Stewart was the only other Storm player to score in double digits. She recorded 13 points, five rebounds and four steals in her first game back. Since she entered the WNBA’s health and safety protocols last week, she has been vocal about the COVID-19 risks created by the league’s travel policies.
But Wednesday night, the duo of Stewart and Magbegor was too much for the Sky to overcome, despite having four players score in double digits.
Azurá Stevens had 18 points to lead all Sky players, while Courtney Vandersloot added 11 points and 12 assists. Candace Parker and Emma Meesseman also had 11 points each. Seattle managed to hold Chicago to 6-for-17 shooting from 3-point range.
The Sky mounted a comeback in the fourth quarter, outscoring Seattle 22-16 to pull within three points of the lead. But a 3-point attempt by Allie Quigley bounced off the rim at the buzzer.