Washington's 78-64 Win in Climate Pledge Arena and Nobody in Seattle Is Ready For It

Alright, 12s, let's talk about it. Wednesday night in the Emerald City was a gut punch. After we handed the Washington Mystics a 97-85 defeat on Sunday, they roared back to beat our Storm 78-64 at Climate Pledge Arena. Seriously, a 78-64 loss at home? It feels rough, like watching your favorite coffee shop run out of your blend. This Mystics team is now 3-3 on the season, and honestly, we let them off the hook big time.

First Half Struggles: What Even Happened Out There?

From the jump, things felt off. The Mystics jumped out to a 28-20 lead after the first quarter, and it was mostly thanks to Michaela Onyenwere, who absolutely lit us up for 11 points, hitting three of four from beyond the arc. Shakira Austin was also cooking, adding 10 points on 4-for-5 shooting. They just came out with an intensity we didn't match. Then came the second quarter, and it was brutal. We scored a measly five points through the first eight minutes and only nine points for the entire frame. Nine points! It's like our offense hit a brick wall. Austin was doing work on both ends, pacing the Mystics with 14 points and seven rebounds by halftime. They took a commanding 48-29 lead into the break, and honestly, it felt like a nightmare unfolding in front of us. We've gotta figure out how to start games better, especially defensively.

Momentary Hope Crushed as Mystics Pulled Away

Coming out of halftime, there was a glimmer of hope. Our Storm went on an 8-0 run to kick off the third quarter, and for a second, it felt like a comeback was brewing. But then Kiki Iriafen hit her fourth bucket of the game, pushing Washington's lead back to 13. And if that wasn't deflating enough, Sonia Citron, who had a quiet first half, dropped seven points, including a deep triple, to extend their lead to 18. It was a tough night all around. The Mystics' defense was stifling, forcing 11 turnovers from us. And our shooting? A lackluster 36% from the field through three quarters tells you everything you need to know about how difficult it was to get anything going. Washington carried a massive 66-45 lead into the final frame, and by then, the game was pretty much out of reach. Austin kept her foot on the gas, finishing with a game-high 18 points, 13 rebounds, and five assists on 6-for-12 shooting. Iriafen and Onyenwere combined for 27 points, too. They earned that resounding victory. Look, this one stings, no doubt. Losing 78-64 at home after getting a win against the same team a few days prior, it just shows we have work to do. We need to tighten up that defense and find our offensive rhythm consistently. Every game in this league matters, and building momentum early in the season is key. We've got to bounce back fast and show them what the real Storm is all about. Let's get it.

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