Seattle Storm Ready to Challenge Aces in WNBA Playoff Opener
The Seattle Storm are gearing up to face the Las Vegas Aces in their first-round playoff series, starting at 19:00 on March 10, 2024, at T-Mobile Arena. This best-of-three matchup brings a mix of rivalry and high stakes, as the Storm aim to overcome past playoff disappointments against a team that has dominated them in recent years.
Storm forward Nneka Ogwumike expressed a nuanced view of motivation, stating, “I’m not a vengeful person.” Yet, her teammate, guard Skylar Diggins, was more direct, saying, “Yeah, if it can get us to the next round.” The sentiment reflects a common theme in professional sports where past losses can fuel determination.
Head coach Noelle Quinn is not focused on revenge but sees this series as an opportunity to innovate against one of the league’s toughest defenses. “We’ve seen Vegas a lot in the playoffs, and here we are again with another opportunity to face an opponent who is very formidable,” Quinn noted. Under her leadership for the past five years, the Storm have a record of 97-89 against all WNBA teams, except for the Aces, who hold a significant advantage with a 13-4 record against Seattle.
Historically, the Aces, coached by Becky Hammon, have proven to be a challenging opponent in the playoffs, boasting a 5-1 record against the Storm. This includes a two-game sweep in last year’s opening round and a 3-1 victory in the 2022 semifinals. The rivalry, though younger than others in the league, has developed intensity, particularly given the recent playoff defeats that still resonate with Storm fans.
Quinn acknowledged the unique nature of playoff basketball, saying, “The playoffs are different. It’s a different beast.” She emphasized the strategic elements, likening the series to a “chess match.” The Storm’s preparation will be critical, as Quinn aims to instill not just strategy but also spirit and energy in her players.
Seattle faces an uphill battle, historically struggling in playoff scenarios as a lower seed. The team has a 5-19 record in playoff games when seeded lower, with their only series win against a higher seed occurring back in 2004. Since the WNBA adopted a best-of-three format for the first round in 2022, lower seeds have fared poorly, with a combined 1-6 record in such situations.
In response to fan feedback, the league has modified the playoff format this year, ensuring that the lower-seeded team hosts at least one game. Seattle will host Game 2, with a potential Game 3 returning to Las Vegas if necessary. The Storm have shown they can compete with the Aces, finishing the regular season with a 2-2 record against them.
Ogwumike emphasized the importance of home court advantage, stating, “We get a home game and to me, that’s important.” While she refrained from wishing for other lower-seeded teams to win, her singular focus remains on securing victory for Seattle.
As the playoffs approach, the Storm aim not only to challenge the Aces but also to rewrite their narrative in postseason play. With determination and strategy at the forefront, Seattle looks to make a statement in this highly anticipated matchup.
