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WNBA – Seattle Storm at Minnesota Lynx: Report From Section 111

Originally posted on Beyond Women's Sports
By Martin Ruben | Last updated May 28, 2025 3:09 PM ET

The Seattle Storm stormed into Target Center Tuesday night looking to turn the tide on a Minnesota Lynx team that had their way with them the previous season. The Lynx, however. had other ideas. After a lackluster showing against the Connecticut Sun, the Lynx needed to come out strong. They did just that.

Although Skylar Diggins scored the first Seattle points, the Lynx then went on a 14 point opening run, starting with Alanna Smith, who answered Diggins right back. Courtney Williams, who had an 0-fer against the Sun, scored, followed by Kayla McBride, who had missed the first four games. Williams, Smith, McBride and Napheesa Collier did the scoring in the quarter, capped with a three by Karlie Samuelson.

Nneka Ogwumike, Gabby Williams, Alysha Clark, and Ezi Magbegor handled the scoring for the Storm, with the Lynx opening with a 26 – 11 first quarter score.

Seattle regrouped in the second quarter, holding the Lynx to 13 points while cutting into the lead, with Williams scoring seven of her team leading 20 points for Seattle. Collier, who had an uncharacteristically slow start, scored only four points in the first half. The Storm trimmed Minnesota’s lead to 10 points, and went into halftime down 39 – 29.

A Competitive Second Half Between Seattle and Minnesota

The Storm looked revitalized after half time, outscoring Minnesota 18 – 13. The Storm looked more in sync, and fought through the Minnesota defense, which had begun to look a little weary. Seattle got to within three points in the quarter, but were not able to get over the hump. The Lynx gutted it out, and managed to hold a very slim lead of 54 – 51 going into the final quarter.

An immediate 2 point shot by rookie Dominique Malonga brought the Storm to within one. However, Collier and Jessica Shepard followed with layups, widening the gap again. The teams started to trade buckets, and Williams brought the Storm to within one again. This was immediately followed by a pull-up jumper by McBride. The Storm never got closer than three points, and the Lynx took the game 82 – 77.

that’s 5 in a row. pic.twitter.com/VyKSV2RuT5
— Minnesota Lynx (@minnesotalynx) May 28, 2025

The Storm are a very skilled team, and this kind of battle tested the Minnesota Lynx in a manner in which they needed to be tested. While the Lynx held a 15 point lead at one point, Seattle fought back to keep it a close game. Did the Lynx “blow” a lead? No. The Storm played great basketball to tighten the score. Minnesota dug deep, and found a way to win.

What Is Next For The Storm and Lynx?

Each team had four players in double figures, with Williams leading the Storm with 20 and Courtney Williams scoring 23 for Minnesota. Neither bench produced much, except for Erica Wheeler, who scored 10 for Seattle. Both benches are certainly capable of more production, but this kind of tight game belonged to the starters.

Seattle heads home to face the Atlanta Dream on Friday. The Minnesota Lynx hit the road for a showdown with a completely revamped Phoenix Mercury. At the moment, Phoenix sits at 4 – 1 and Atlanta at 4 – 2, so the Lynx and the Storm will have work to do. A lot of work to do.

And that, my friends, as they say, is that.’ — Martin Ruben.

This article first appeared on Beyond Women's Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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