Full Breakdown
Seattle Storm vs Connecticut Sun: Late-Game Turnover Determines 80-78 Result
5/21/2026, 11:44:26 PM
Context
Seattle (1-4) entered without forward Ezi Magbegor (foot), Dominique Malonga (concussion), Katie Lou Samuelson (knee) and center Awa Fam. Connecticut (1-5) sought its first win after a franchise-record opening losing streak.
Key Players
Connecticut’s bench produced Kennedy Burke 15 (including the go-ahead three-point play), Charlisse Leger-Walker 16, Nell Angloma 15 and Aaliyah Edwards 12. Seattle’s scorers were Natisha Hiedeman 20, Mackenzie Holmes 18, Jade Melbourne 11 and Zia Cooke 10; the three starters totaled eight points.
Statistics
Seattle shot 39.7% and 26.1% on three-pointers (6-of-23). Connecticut held Seattle to 17 points in each of the last three quarters, contributing to the 80-78 result.
Official Statements
Coach Sonia Raman said the team must improve transition defense, noting the opponent “got us on that one.” Seattle staff praised the defense that limited the Sun to 17 points per quarter but admitted late-minute lapses. Connecticut representatives highlighted the squad’s resilience after a slow start and its late-game execution.
Criticism
Natisha Hiedeman said there are “a lot of other areas we just need to clean up,” citing the 39.7% field-goal and 26.1% three-point rates as offensive inefficiency.
Final Moments
With 2.8 seconds left, Hiedeman missed a three-pointer. Melbourne’s reverse layup gave Seattle a 76-75 lead. Holmes rebounded, was fouled and hit two free throws for a 78-75 lead. Kennedy Burke’s contested layup and foul created a three-point play, putting Connecticut ahead 78-77, which held as time expired.
Implications
The win gave Connecticut its first victory and ended a franchise-record opening losing streak. Seattle’s loss extended its slide to three games, leaving it near the bottom of the standings. The teams meet Friday for the series finale, with the Storm seeking to break the streak and the Sun aiming to build momentum.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We just had to transition back better,” — Sonia Raman, Seattle Storm head coach
- “We will be better on that one next time, but they got us on that one.” — Sonia Raman, Seattle Storm head coach
- “Credit to my guards for looking for me, for finding me, and trusting me with the ball in my hands.” — Mackenzie Holmes, Seattle Storm forward
