Season concludes for the Storm in Game 3, losing to the Aces, marking the end of their campaign.
In a thrilling comeback victory, the Seattle Storm, the No. 7 seed, shocked the WNBA world by defeating the No. 2 seed Las Vegas Aces in Game 1 of the playoffs. The final score was an 86-83 nail-biter.
Star players Nneka Ogwumike and Skylar Diggins led the charge for the Storm, scoring 24 and 26 points respectively. Their impressive performances helped the team overcome a tough first half, during which they trailed.
The Aces, who had won 11 straight games before the series, were not without their own standout performer. A'ja Wilson, the star centre for Las Vegas, scored a game-high 38 points in Game 3, but was held relatively in check by Ezi Magbegor and Dominique Malonga in Game 1.
The series, however, took a turn in Game 3, with the Aces regaining the lead. A crucial moment came when Jackie Young scored a putback to give the Aces a 74-73 lead with just 12.4 seconds left on the clock.
Diggins tried to keep the Storm's hopes alive with a three-pointer at the 1:14-minute mark, but it was not enough. Erica Wheeler missed a 14-foot pullup jumper in the lane with seconds remaining, securing the Aces' victory.
The Storm's ownership now faces a decision regarding the future of head coach Noelle Quinn. If she does not return next season, there is currently no publicly confirmed replacement announced.
Looking ahead, Seattle has four players under contract for next season, including Malonga and Jewell Loyd. Furthermore, the Storm have two first round picks in next year's WNBA draft, one from the Los Angeles Sparks and the other from the Aces.
Gabby Williams, who finished second in the WNBA Defensive Player of the Year balloting, will also be a key player for the Storm next season. With a strong core returning and young talent on the way, the Storm will be aiming to build on their Game 1 victory and challenge for the championship.
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