After spending a decade with the Seattle Storm, Jewell Loyd is preparing for an emotional return to the Pacific Northwest this Sunday as the Las Vegas Aces visit the Storm. Loyd was traded in February in a three-team deal involving the Los Angeles Sparks, marking a major transition in her career.
Aces Secure Comeback Win Before Facing Former Team
Leading up to the visit, Loyd showcased her resilience by hitting a crucial three-pointer with just 2.1 seconds left to clinch a 75-72 victory over the Washington Mystics during the Aces’ home opener. Despite shooting only 2-of-9 overall, Loyd’s final shot secured the comeback for Las Vegas, who improved their record to 2-1.
Teammates Jackie Young, Chelsea Gray, and A’ja Wilson all contributed noteworthy performances. Young scored 25 points while Gray added 17, and Wilson recorded 15 points along with 12 rebounds. Wilson also reached a milestone, surpassing 500 career assists with five helpers in the game.
Loyd’s Legacy in Seattle and New Goals in Las Vegas
Loyd’s history with Seattle is impressive: she earned two WNBA championships, was the 2015 Rookie of the Year, a six-time All-Star, and an All-Star Game MVP. She also led the league in scoring last season, averaging 24.7 points per game. However, Loyd’s focus has shifted toward team success with the Aces.
We want to win; this team is just built that way,
Loyd said on the Bird’s Eye View podcast.
The standard is excellence and that is what you see every time you walk into the practice facility. We want to stay healthy and get back to what Vegas wants to do.
—Jewell Loyd, Las Vegas Aces guard
Seattle Storm Starts Strong in Home Opener
The Storm entered the weekend holding a 2-1 record after a hard-fought 77-70 win over the Phoenix Mercury. Skylar Diggins led with 24 points and famously tied Sue Bird’s franchise record by distributing 14 assists during the match.
It means a lot, especially with a decorated franchise,
Diggins remarked about setting the assist record against her former team.
It’s why I came here. Just looking up to people like Sue Bird and trying to continue that legacy.
But it shows the special group that we have. When you play with great players, you have a lot of options to pass it to.
—Skylar Diggins, Seattle Storm guard
Team Efforts Push Storm to Comeback Victory
Other contributors included Nneka Ogwumike, who scored 24 points and grabbed eight rebounds, and Gabby Williams, who added 11 points. The Storm were trailing 61-54 late in the third quarter before launching a decisive 12-0 run to take control of the game.
With the score tied at 70 midway through the final quarter, Seattle’s defense tightened significantly and prevented Phoenix from scoring for the final stretch of the game. The Mercury finished the fourth quarter shooting just 16.7 percent, while the Storm outscored them 15-9 in that period.
Anticipation Builds for Loyd’s Return to Familiar Territory
Jewell Loyd’s return brings a compelling storyline to this weekend’s matchup, pitting her new team against the franchise where she built her legacy. The game promises to be an intense, emotionally charged encounter with both squads showing strong ambitions early in the season. Fans and players alike will be watching closely to see how Loyd’s past and present collide on the court.