Seattle Storm Secure Playoff Spot with Comeback Win
Introduction
The Seattle Storm secured their spot in the playoffs with an exciting comeback win over the Golden State Valkyries on Tuesday night. It was a must-win game for the Storm, who were trailing for most of the game, but their determination and resilience paid off in the end.
Rally in the Fourth Quarter
The Storm found themselves down by 10 points heading into the final quarter. However, they refused to back down and put on an impressive display of teamwork and skill. Led by Breanna Stewart's 25 points and Jewell Loyd's clutch shooting, the Storm outscored the Valkyries 21-10 in the fourth quarter to secure the victory.
This was a true testament to the team's never-give-up attitude and their ability to rise to the occasion when it matters most. It was also a statement win for the Storm, who now have the confidence and momentum heading into the postseason.
Playoff Berth Secured
The win not only secured the Storm's spot in the playoffs, but it also solidified their position as one of the top teams in the league. With a record of 19-10, the Storm are currently in third place in the standings and have their sights set on a deep playoff run.
This victory was a crucial step in the right direction for the Storm, who
About the People Mentioned
Breanna Stewart
Breanna Stewart, born August 27, 1994, in North Syracuse, New York, is a professional basketball player known as "Stewie," currently a forward for the New York Liberty in the WNBA.[1][3][4][6] Standing 6'4" and weighing 170 pounds, she was the No. 1 overall pick by the Seattle Storm in the 2016 WNBA Draft after a storied college career at the University of Connecticut.[1][2][4] At UConn, Stewart led the Huskies to four consecutive NCAA national championships from 2013 to 2016, compiling a 151-5 record that included two undefeated seasons; she became the first player in NCAA history to win the Women's Final Four Most Outstanding Player award four times and the first four-time champion.[1][2][5] She ranks second all-time in UConn scoring (2,676 points), first in blocks (over 400), and is the only player with at least 400 blocks and 400 assists; she earned three Naismith and AP College Player of the Year honors.[1][2][5] In the WNBA, Stewart won Rookie of the Year in 2016 and secured two championships with Seattle in 2018 and 2020, earning Finals MVP both times; she claimed league MVP awards in 2018 and 2023, along with five All-Star selections, five All-WNBA First Team nods, and two All-Defensive First Team honors.[1][3][4] After leaving Seattle, she signed with the Liberty in 2023 in a high-profile free agency move.[3][4] Internationally, Stewart has five Olympic and FIBA World Cup gold medals, including Rio (2016), Tokyo (2020), and 2022 FIBA, and was the youngest U.S. Olympian in Rio.[1][3][6] In 2021, she became a mother while maintaining elite performance, signing a landmark PUMA deal as the WNBA's highest-paid endorser with a signature shoe.[3] As of mid-2024, she led the Liberty in scoring (19.9 ppg), rebounding (9.8 rpg), and steals (1.9 spg), helping them contend for playoffs amid strong league standings.[1][4] Stewart remains active and influential in women's basketball.[1][3][4]
About the Organizations Mentioned
Seattle Storm
The **Seattle Storm** is a professional women's basketball team based in Seattle, competing in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) Western Conference. Founded in 2000 as an expansion team, the Storm quickly grew from a struggling inaugural season to become one of the league’s most successful franchises[2][3]. The organization is distinguished by its strong combination of superstar talent, strategic coaching, and front office stability. Key players have included legends like Sue Bird, Lauren Jackson, and Breanna Stewart, all of whom have earned multiple MVP awards and led the team to championship victories. The Storm has won **four WNBA championships** (2004, 2010, 2018, and 2020), tying them for the second-most titles in league history. Uniquely, Seattle remains undefeated in WNBA Finals series, boasting a perfect 4-0 record in those appearances[1][2][3]. The franchise has shown remarkable adaptability, successfully transitioning through eras centered around different star players, such as the Bird-Jackson era to the current Bird-Stewart-Loyd core. This organizational excellence is further reflected in their consistent playoff appearances—19 times in 25 seasons—and innovative community engagement initiatives[1][2][4]. Owned by Force 10 Hoops LLC, a group including Seattle businesswomen and former player Sue Bird, the Storm emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion through its Force4Change initiative, which advances social and racial justice efforts. The team also promotes youth development with a focus on fitness, leadership, and empowering girls and women in sports[2][4]. Seattle Storm games are known for their engaging fan experience, featuring family-friendly entertainment like a kid dance squad and thematic elements linked to Seattle’s weather, including their mascot Doppler and the use of AC/DC’s "Thunderstruck" as a theme song[2]. As of the 2025 season, the Storm remains competitive with a winning record and continues to be