2.8 Seconds Left: Why That's All the Sun Needed to Break Our Storm's Hearts at Climate Pledge

Oh man, talk about a gut punch. Our Seattle Storm, playing right here at Climate Pledge Arena, just took a devastating 80-78 loss to the Connecticut Sun on Wednesday night. It felt like we had it, seriously, after what felt like forever. But then, with just 2.8 seconds left on the clock, Kennedy Burke dropped a three-point play, and just like that, the Sun snatched their first win of the WNBA season right out from under us. Natisha Hiedeman had a chance to answer with a three-pointer at the buzzer, but it just wasn't meant to be.

The Crushing Final Minutes That Slipped Away

This one stings because we fought so hard to get back in it. Down 63-59 after three quarters, Lexie Brown sparked a comeback with a three-point play, pulling us within one with 9:32 left. We even tied it at 67-all thanks to a couple of free throws from Jade Melbourne. But the Sun pushed back, with Charlisse Leger-Walker and Aaliyah Edwards hitting jumpers, and Ashlon Jackson driving for a layup, giving them a six-point lead with 3:42 remaining. Our Storm wouldn't quit! Hiedeman drained a deep three, then Melbourne added two free throws, making it a one-point game. Melbourne then drove for a layup with 59 seconds left, putting us up 76-75, our first lead since late in the second quarter! Mackenzie Holmes added two free throws to extend our lead. But then Edwards drove for a layup, bringing the Sun within one, and Burke delivered the knockout blow.

Early Season Struggles and Missing Pieces

It’s tough watching us at 1-4 early in the season, especially when the Sun were 1-5 and this win snapped a five-game skid for them. The bright spots are there, though. Natisha Hiedeman was absolutely on fire, leading the Storm with 20 points and dishing out five assists. Mackenzie Holmes put in serious work, adding 18 points and grabbing six rebounds. Jade Melbourne kept us in it with 11 points, and Zia Cooke chipped in 10 points too. We also need to remember we're battling without our top scorer, Dominique Malonga, who is still recovering from a concussion. The Sun were missing their leading scorer Brittney Griner with a right rib injury, so both teams were playing without their starting centers. Sun rookie Charlisse Leger-Walker led them with 16 points and three assists, with Burke and Nell Angloma adding 15 points apiece, and Raegan Beers pulling down eight rebounds.

This loss stings. We had the lead, we had the momentum, and it slipped away. Our Storm needs to find a way to finish these games, to hold onto those late leads, especially at home. Every game matters right now in this young season. We gotta keep our heads up, learn from this, and come back stronger. Let’s go, Storm!

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.