The Seattle Storm came into Game 1 of their first-round playoff series against the Las Vegas Aces looking to pull off an upset win. Through three quarters, the Storm were executing their game plan to perfection. Their defense was solid, they were controlling the boards, and they were finding just enough offense to stay ahead of the defending champions. However, their hopes of an upset win were dashed in the fourth quarter when they turned in a historically poor offensive performance.
In the fourth quarter, the Storm failed to make a single shot from the field, going 0-of-12. Their only points in the frame came from a pair of free throws by Skylar Diggins-Smith. This abysmal offensive display allowed the Aces to pull away for a 78-67 victory and take a 1-0 series lead. The Storm’s two points in the fourth quarter are tied for the fewest in a single quarter in WNBA playoff history, and they are the first team to miss every shot in a quarter since the league switched from halves to quarters in 2006.
The Storm’s offensive struggles in the fourth quarter can be attributed to several factors. One issue was their slow pace of play, especially when they were still clinging to a lead. They often struggled to beat the eight-second count, leaving themselves little time to adjust if their initial actions did not work. Additionally, the Aces did a great job of keeping the Storm out of the paint and away from the rim, where they typically excel offensively.
In the regular season, the Storm were one of the better teams in the league at scoring in the paint. However, in the fourth quarter of Game 1, they only managed to get a paint touch on seven out of 17 possessions. Even when they did penetrate the paint, they struggled to get quality looks at the basket, settling for mid-range jumpers and awkward attempts instead.
One key player who was largely absent in the fourth quarter was Nneka Ogwumike. Despite a strong first half performance, where she scored 13 points on 50% shooting, Ogwumike failed to score in the second half. The Aces focused their defensive efforts on shutting her down, limiting her to just one shot in the fourth quarter.
Another factor that contributed to the Storm’s downfall was their high number of turnovers in the fourth quarter. Six of their 13 turnovers came during this crucial period, costing them valuable possessions and scoring opportunities. While the Aces struggled to convert these turnovers into points, they were still able to disrupt the Storm’s offensive flow and prevent them from generating quality shot attempts.
In contrast, the Aces were able to capitalize on the Storm’s offensive woes and execute down the stretch to secure the victory. A’ja Wilson emphasized the team’s focus and determination in the second half, acknowledging the increased intensity and pressure of playoff basketball compared to the regular season. The Aces understood the assignment and were able to elevate their performance to overcome the challenges posed by the Storm.
Overall, the Storm’s collapse in the fourth quarter of Game 1 serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining composure and executing under pressure in playoff basketball. Despite a strong start, their inability to generate quality shots, limit turnovers, and adjust to the Aces’ defensive schemes ultimately cost them the game. As they look ahead to Game 2, the Storm will need to make the necessary adjustments and come out with a renewed sense of purpose to even the series and keep their playoff hopes alive.