The 2.8 Second Nightmare: Kennedy Burke Crushed the Storm and Left Seattle Fuming
Holy smokes, Seattle, can we even talk about last night? The Storm served up a gut-punch of a loss at Climate Pledge Arena, falling 80-78 to the Connecticut Sun. And get this: the Sun, who had lost their previous five games, celebrated like they just won a championship after Kennedy Burke pulled off a three-point play with a mere 2.8 seconds left on the clock. You gotta be kidding me!
Late Leads Don't Mean Wins, Seattle
This one stings, big time. We trailed for most of the night, which is frustrating enough, but then we fought our way back into it, grabbing the lead with less than a minute to go! Jade Melbourne hit a clutch driving layup with 59 seconds showing. Mackenzie Holmes then stepped up, sinking two free throws to put us up by three with 40.8 seconds left. We were right there, on the cusp of a much-needed victory against a struggling team. But then Aaliyah Edwards got a driving layup for the Sun to cut it to a single point with 32 seconds left, setting the stage for Burke's dagger. To add insult to injury, Natisha Hiedeman had a look at a three-pointer at the buzzer, but it just wouldn't fall. "It happens. I really wanted that win," Hiedeman said, and you could feel her frustration, but she was already looking ahead, adding, "I'm ready to play again on Friday already." Coach Sonia Raman kept it simple, saying, "We just had to transition back better. We will be better on that one next time, but they got us on that one." We better be, Coach.
🎲 Want to Make Tonight's Game More Interesting?
Kalshi lets you trade on real sports outcomes — not just spreads. It's the only federally regulated prediction market in the US, and it's available right here in Washington state.
New users get a FREE $10 just for signing up — no deposit required to claim it.
👉 Claim Your Free $10 at KalshiWhere Do We Go From Here, Emerald City?
So, the Sun (1-5) got their first win of the season against us, and get this, they did it WITHOUT 10-time All-Star Brittney Griner, who was out with a right rib injury. Meanwhile, our own starting center, Dominique Malonga, missed her third straight game and is still stuck in concussion protocol. Losing her and her 16.0 points and 7.3 rebounds per game is a massive blow, and you could feel it last night. Griner is questionable for Friday, but Malonga is a definite miss for us. Natisha Hiedeman tried to carry the load, leading Seattle with 20 points and five assists, but it wasn't enough. Connecticut coach Rachid Meziane gushed about his team's "pride" and how they "stayed locked in." Our Storm (1-4) needs some of that pride and focus on Friday, because right now, things are looking shaky.
The good news, if you can call it that, is we get another shot at these guys almost immediately. We beat them 89-82 on Mother's Day back in Connecticut, so this Friday night's rematch in Seattle is the rubber game of the season series. It's time for redemption, a chance to show the Emerald City faithful that we can close out games, even when our backs are against the wall. We need this win, Seattle, and we need it bad. Let's get loud for the Storm!
🐦 What fans are saying on X
See the latest reactions and highlights from Seattle fans about .
View X conversation →DFS Pick'em
📋 Chalkboard: 100% Deposit Match Up to $100 + a Free Square on Your First Entry
Use code ONTAP to lock in this offer.
👉 Double your first deposit on ChalkboardSponsored. Must be 18+. Terms apply.
This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.