WINGS FLY OVER STORM
Another sold-out night hit Climate Pledge Arena on Tuesday, July 22. Fans packed the stadium decked out in Seattle sports gear, and many wore Paige Bueckers merchandise—whether from her legendary collegiate run at UConn or as Dallas Wings fans who made the trip up to the PNW.
Coming out of the all-stars break. The Storm had four players participate in the All-Star Game. Skylar Diggins- first player in all-star history to post a triple-double, finishing with 11 points, 11 rebounds and 15 assists. Nneka Ogwumike finished with 16 points, seven rebounds and 3 assists becoming the all-time leader in field goals in all-star history. Gabby Williams played in her first all-star game and finished with 16 points and 5 assists.
But the break wasn’t just about basketball. One message echoed throughout the arena: Pay the players.
The Storm came out strong, jumping to an 8-0 lead. Gabby Williams led the team at halftime with 10 points, followed closely by Ogwumike. Despite their early momentum, the Wings clawed their way back, and the Storm held only a two-point lead heading into the break.
Throughout the night, the Storm was showcasing its love for fellow Seattle sports, with players from the Seattle Reign, Sounders, and newest to the sports scene- the PWHL team which was announced earlier this year.
The third quarter took a sharp turn. The Wings opened aggressively, with Paige Bueckers hitting two early free throws. The Storm struggled on the boards, missing rebounds that turned into extra chances for Dallas. Tensions began to rise—on the court and in the stands—as missed calls from the refs drew frustration.
The drama peaked after Luisa Geiselsöder delivered a hard hit on Ogwumike that went uncalled. In response, Ogwumike shoved Geiselsöder and yelled at the ref—a rare outburst from the typically composed veteran. The arena buzzed, and social media quickly lit up with questions about the officiating.
By the end of the 4th quarter, the Wings had taken full control, finishing the game with a decisive 87–63 win over the Storm.
Seattle will look to bounce back on August 1, when they return to Climate Pledge Arena to face Kelsey Plum and the Los Angeles Sparks at 7:00 p.m.
Support your women’s athletics,
L
