Full Breakdown
Seattle Storm Rout Connecticut Sun 77-59 Behind Zia Cooke’s Career-High
5/23/2026, 9:41:59 PM
Game Summary
On Friday night at Climate Pledge Arena, the Seattle Storm defeated the Connecticut Sun 77-59. Seattle built a halftime lead of 37-28 after trailing 21-19 after the first quarter and never relinquished the advantage. The Storm entered the contest with a 2-4 record, while the Sun were 1-6.
Statistical Overview
- Final score: Seattle 77, Connecticut 59.
- Quarter breakdown: Seattle trailed 21-19 after Q1, led 37-28 at halftime, held a 16-point margin in Q3, and limited the Sun to a seven-point deficit after an early Q4 three-pointer.
- Shooting efficiency: The Sun made nine baskets in the opening quarter and only 11 over the final three quarters, finishing at a 35 % field-goal rate.
- Key individual numbers: Zia Cooke recorded a career-high 25 points (16 in the first half). Flau’jae Johnson posted 17 points, seven rebounds and five assists, all season bests. Natisha Hiedeman added 11 points for Seattle. For Connecticut, Diamond Miller scored 13 points and Aaliyah Edwards contributed 10.
Standout Performances
- Zia Cooke (Seattle, Guard): 25 points, including 16 before halftime, marking her highest single-game total.
- Flau’jae Johnson (Seattle, Forward, No. 8 2026 draft pick): 17 points, seven rebounds, five assists—her best statistical line of the season.
- Natisha Hiedeman (Seattle, Forward): 11 points, providing secondary scoring.
- Diamond Miller (Connecticut, Guard): 13 points, the Sun’s leading scorer.
- Aaliyah Edwards (Connecticut, Forward): 10 points.
Roster Status and Injuries
Seattle entered the game with several front-court absences. Brittney Griner missed her fourth consecutive game due to a rib injury. Dominique Malonga was sidelined for a third straight contest under concussion protocol. Veteran center Ezi Magbegor had not yet appeared, and recent No. 3 draft pick Awa Fam, who arrived from Spain after helping Valencia win the Spanish League championship, had no announced debut date. The Storm signed Joyner Holmes earlier in the day; she logged 15 minutes, contributing two points, five rebounds and three blocks.
Season Implications and Upcoming Games
The victory allowed Seattle to avenge an earlier 89-82 loss at Connecticut and maintain momentum in a rebuilding season. The Storm’s next assignment is a home series against the Washington Mystics beginning Sunday. Connecticut’s upcoming road game is at Golden State on Monday, marking the third contest of a five-game western road trip.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All source excerpts present a consistent account of the game’s outcome, player statistics, and roster information. No contradictory details were identified.
