Natisha Hiedeman Missed the Game-Tying Shot, and the Storm's 0-5 Commissioner's Cup Record Tells You Everything

Another one bites the dust, Seattle, and it stings! Our Storm fought like warriors at Climate Pledge Arena last night, but in a brutal, back-and-forth 88-83 Commissioner's Cup battle, the LA Sparks just edged us out. It came down to the wire. Natisha Hiedeman launched a potential game-tying three with just 6.3 seconds left, but it just wouldn't fall. Man, that one hurts!

First Half Fireworks and a Second Half Surge

We hate losing to LA at home, but the Storm fought for every point. We kicked things off HOT! Dominique Malonga drained a turnaround jumper and a three-pointer, and Jordan Horston added a jumper for a 7-0 lead just over two minutes in. We were feeling it early, and honestly, we even shot way better from the field overall, hitting 46.9% compared to LA's 38.7%.

The Sparks, with Kelsey Plum hitting back-to-back threes, got a 10-0 run to counter, but we battled back to tie it at 14-14. After a strong run by Cameron Brink, Horston closed the first quarter with a three-pointer to keep us within 22-17. Plum pushed LA ahead 34-25 in the second quarter, but our squad went on an 11-0 streak to actually push us back ahead 36-34. Rae Burrell even hit a three at the buzzer to tie it up at halftime, sending Climate Pledge into a frenzy. What a finish to the half!

Gut-Wrenching Finish and the Hard Truth of 0-5

The second half felt like a heavyweight bout. LA's Dearica Hamby broke the halftime tie, but the Storm went on another 11-0 run! Hiedeman was on fire, capping that run with a long jumper and a three-pointer, giving us a 51-42 lead. We were feeling it! But LA's Nneka Ogwumike, who ended up with a game-high 24 points and nine rebounds, started taking over, especially in the fourth quarter where she scored seven of them. Brink also kept chipping away, pulling them within 67-66 entering the fourth.

Our rookie Flau'jae Johnson put in work, notching 14 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists. Malonga finished with 15 points, Awa Fam had 12, Horston added 11, and Hiedeman led the team with 16 points. We kept fighting, but ultimately, Erica Wheeler sinking two free throws with 1.6 seconds left sealed our fate at 88-83. This loss pushes our overall record to 3-11, and in the Commissioner's Cup, we're now sitting at a brutal 0-5. That's the part that really bites, 0-5 in the Cup, man.

This team shows flashes of brilliance and undeniable grit, but the results, especially in the Commissioner's Cup, are just not where we want them to be. Losing these close ones, where we outshoot the opponent, is tough to swallow. We need to find a way to close out these games. The energy in Climate Pledge was electric, and these players are giving it their all. We gotta keep that belief, Seattle, and get these wins. Let's keep pushing, Storm! We believe!

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