Recap: Storm avenge June loss to Aces, 69-66

The Seattle Storm used outstanding defense to beat the Las Vegas Aces 69-66 on Friday night. Seattle failed to make a field goal over the last seven minutes of the game, yet hung on for the victory. The Storm extended their win streak to five games and ended the Aces’ own five-game win streak.

Natasha Howard was once again on top of her game with 21 points and 10 rebounds. Howard also contributed a season-high six blocks and four steals amid continuing to play despite domestic violence allegations against her.

The Storm made a franchise-record 18 steals, the second-highest total for steals by a team this season. The Washington Mystics registered 20 steals in their victory over the Los Angeles Sparks on June 18.

Jordin Canada scored 8 points despite shooting 1-of-12 from the field. The league leader in steals added five of them along with four assists and four rebounds.

The Storm shot 30 percent in their last meeting against the Aces and did not fare any better in this one. Seattle shot 27.8 percent from the field, but made nine 3-point shots to Las Vegas’ four. The final eight points for the Storm came from the free throw line, where the Storm were 20-of-20 for the game.

Jewell Loyd returned for the Storm after missing seven games with an ankle injury. She shot 0-for-5 from the field and was held scoreless in eight and a half minutes of play, but recorded two steals.

Liz Cambage was the leading scorer for the Aces with 16 points, 14 rebounds and four blocks. Kayla McBride and Kelsey Plum scored 11 and 10 points, respectively. However, despite shooting 41 percent, the Aces’ largest lead at any point was just two points.

Up next

The Storm travel back to Las Vegas to face the Aces on Tuesday, where they lost by four at the end of June. The Aces play again on Sunday against the Minnesota Lynx before the Storm come to town.