Storm starters shine in preseason win over Sparks
By Charles Hamaker
Seattle, WA – The Seattle Storm cruised to an 81-68 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks in their first game back in Climate Pledge Arena. Formerly known as Key Arena, the Storm welcomed themselves back home with a resounding win over the retooled Sparks behind big performances from Breanna Stewart and Jewell Loyd. The Storm were able to hold every Los Angeles starter, except for Brittney Sykes, under double digits.
The Storm jumped out to a hot start early, resulting in a 19-point lead at the half. Shooting guard Jewell Loyd, who signed a two-year deal in the offseason to stay with the Storm, was on fire with 15 points in the first quarter. Loyd, nicknamed the Gold Mamba, will play a huge role in this team's success and very well could be the reason that they’re a title contender. Another huge reason for the Storm’s contention, forward Breanna Stewart, lead the game in scoring with 20 points on the night. The Loyd and Stewart one-two punch is deadly, and if they can stay on top of their game all season, Seattle has a great chance of sending out Sue Bird with one final championship.