Jewell Loyd scored a season-high 34 factors because the host Seattle Storm beat the Indiana Fever 89-77 on Thursday.
Ezi Magbegor added 18 factors and Nneka Ogwumike contributed 15 factors and 11 rebounds for the Storm (11-6), who matched their win complete from the 2023 season whereas beating the Fever (7-12) for the third time this 12 months.
Caitlin Clark and Erica Wheeler every scored 15 factors for Indiana, which has misplaced two straight after a four-game profitable streak.
Loyd scored 23 factors within the first half regardless of being poked within the left eye late within the first quarter and lacking 5 minutes. With a swollen eye, Loyd went 3-for-4 after returning, main all scorers with eight second-quarter factors whereas taking part in simply 5:47 of the quarter.
It was Loyd’s second 30-point recreation of the season. She scored 32 towards Indiana in an 85-83 win on Might 22, and he or she has averaged 29.3 factors per recreation within the three contests towards the Fever.
Ogwumike contributed everywhere in the court docket for Seattle. The eight-time All-Star, who got here to Seattle from the Los Angeles Sparks this 12 months, added three blocked photographs and three steals.
Skylar Diggins-Smith led all gamers with 9 assists. Jordan Horston, beginning her second straight recreation (and second of the season), had a career-high 5 assists.
Clark added seven assists and 6 rebounds for Indiana. She was more practical within the first half, scoring 12 factors. Clark additionally led all gamers with six turnovers.
Kelsey Mitchell, who led the Fever at 16.4 factors per recreation, scored 12 factors on 5-for-10 taking pictures. NaLyssa Smith added 12 factors.
Within the third quarter, Seattle constructed a 19-point lead, its largest of the evening. Nonetheless, Indiana responded with a 13-3 run within the last 4:37 of the quarter, chopping the deficit to 9. The momentum did not carry into the fourth quarter and Seattle prolonged its lead again to double digits.
The Storm’s protection was an excessive amount of for Indiana to deal with. Seattle gained the turnover margin 20-8, scoring 27 factors off these turnovers.
–Area Stage Media
