The Seattle Storm’s season ended with a 97-92 loss to the Las Vegas Aces in Game 4 on Wednesday.
The loss is especially cruel considering it was Sue Bird and Brian January’s last game in front of Storm fans at Climate Pledge Arena. Game 4 was a close game with three lead changes and three ties in the fourth quarter. Brianna Stewart and Jewell Lloyd were strong in the series-clinching loss, with Stewie scoring 42 points and pulling down four rebounds, followed by Lloyd with 29 points and four boards.
Stewart played the full 40 minutes and became the fifth player in WNBA playoff history to score 40 or more points, tying her 42-point record and the playoffs individual scoring record.
“We’re a hard duo to stop,” Stewie told Hunter Hames. “We’re both still in the early stages of our careers and we know how scary we can be on the court. You saw that last night.”
Stewie says he loves playing with Jewel.
Stewie – “We’re a hard duo to stop. We’re both still in the early stages of our careers and we know how terrifying we can be on the court. You saw that last night. .”
— Hunter Hames (@hunter9h) September 7, 2022
As good as Stewie and Lloyd were on Wednesday, Seattle couldn’t find a third scorer to ease the burden.
Meanwhile, the Aces are led by four double-digit scorers, with Chelsea Gray leading the way with 31 points and 10 assists, including 15 in the fourth quarter, and A’ja Wilson with 23 points, 13 boards, 3 blocks, and He followed with one assist. theft. Jackie Young contributed 18 points and five rebounds, and Kelsey Plumb rounded out the Aces with 15 points and four dimes.
This loss plunges Seattle into an unknown future. The Storm only have two players under contract for next season and eight free agents, including Stewie and Gabby Williams. Tina Charles also became a free agent. she reportedly I opted out After the season, Lloyd was now the longest-tenured player on the Storm’s roster, according to Percy Allen of the Seattle Times.
Jewel Lloyd on next year’s team – “You’re always going to find guys you want to play with. I hope people see my game, see how Stewie and I play, and want to be here.” Sometimes recruiting calls and chats are necessary, but I’m not a recruiter, so I hope that happens naturally.”
— Balance Sports (@balance_sports) September 7, 2022
The final game between the Aces and the winner of the Chicago Sky-Connecticut Sun semifinal series begins Sunday.