Breanna Stewart dropped 35 in a loss to the Aces in an instant classic, 95-92
Seattle, WA- Despite Breanna Stewart having a monster game, the Storm dropped a game to the Aces in a potential battle for first place in the West.
This is the third time that the Storm has matched up with the Las Vegas Aces this season and it had potential playoff implications. Seattle got out to a great stat in the first half. Breanna Stewart inserted herself early on and helped the Storm build up a double digit lead mid-way into the second quarter.
However, Seattle was a bit sloppy in the quarter and had five turnovers that sparked a 7-0 run for the Aces with under three minutes left in the half, which cut the Storm's lead to four. Katie Lou Samuelson connected on a three point attempt before the buzzer sounded at the half to give Seattle a 42-37 lead. Stewart was the only player for Seattle in double figures with 12 points at the half.
Stewart continued her massacre on Las Vegas at the start of second half. When it seemed like the Aces had a bit of momentum on their side, Stewart would make a big play. Despite, Stewart balling and seeing the ball go in the basket, Seattle struggled offensively. Seattle shot collectively as a team around 42% from the field at the end of the third.
Things got interesting with five minutes left in the game. The Aces regained the lead for the first time since the first, but Stewart respond right back connecting on two consecutive shots. With 27.7 seconds left in the game and the game tied up, Seattle had the right play drawn up, but missed the wide-open shot to go into overtime.
With under 26.5 seconds left in overtime, Seattle made a mistake and fouled Riquna Williams after she hit a jump shot. The Aces went up one, but on Seattle's next possession, Stewart was fouled. Stewart hit both of her free throws and the Storm went back up one. Chelsea Gray hit a jumper with 10.2 seconds left to put Vegas back up one. Sue Bird attempted to shoot a three pointer, but it grazed the rim at the end of the game to drop an instant classic.
