The Gold Mamba helps the Storm win Game 1 over the Aces 76-73

Seattle- Jewell Loyd scores 26 points in a victory over the Aces.

After defeating the Mystics in a sweep in the first round of the WNBA playoffs last week, the Storm had their eyes set another task, and that was trying to get past the Aces in the Semifinals to return back to the Finals. Game 1 of the semifinals started on Sunday and the Aces would be without Gabby Williams, who was not cleared to play because of a concussion. Without Williams in the line-up, someone from the second unit would have to be aggressive defensively and step it up.

The Storm came out the gate in the first quarter on a 13-4 run led, by Tina Charles and Stephanie Talbot. Both players were looking for their shot aggressively and was effective with getting involved early on. Despite the quick start, Seattle went on a five-minute drought and ended the drought with Breanna Stewart hitting a couple of free throws after she was fouled at the three minute mark . After Stewart hit those free throws, Seattle went on a 10-4 run to close out the first quarter, 26-15.

After having a 12-point lead at one point in the half, Seattle went on another six-minute scoreless drought, which helped the Aces get back into the game. Stewart was like let me put this team on my back. Stewart made some key plays in the second quarters; one in particular was stealing a pass, chasing the ball down, and getting foul to stop the Aces from cutting their lead to two. She finished the half with 14 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists. Seattle scored eight consecutive points in the last two minutes of the half to go into the locker room with a 43-36 lead.

In the second half, Seattle had to find some way to stop Kelsey Plum. Plum went on a scoring clinic and had Seattle confused with stopping her. Each time it seemed like the Aces was going to take the lead, Stewart or Tina Charles would hit a key shot to extend their lead. Bird was exceptional with putting her teammates in position to score. At one point in the game, Bird had 12 assists and no turnovers. Things got very tense late in the fourth. Down by one, Seattle needed a bucket. Loyd said hold my beer and scored the last four points for the Storm. Seattle put the game on ice with a two pointer by Loyd to shock the Aces in Game 1.