WNBA Seattle Storm VS Connecticut Sun

The Seattle Storm fell just short in a late-game thriller at Climate Pledge Arena, losing 80-78 to the Connecticut Sun after Kennedy Burke converted a contested and-one with 2.8 seconds remaining. The win marked Connecticut’s first victory of the season. Connecticut opened strong, taking a 29-23 lead after the first quarter. Seattle stayed within striking distance throughout the night and mounted an 11-4 run late in the fourth quarter to take a three-point lead, but the Sun answered in the final possession. Burke finished through contact off a Charlisse Leger-Walker assist, putting Connecticut back in front for good. For Seattle, Natisha Hiedeman led the way with a season-high 20 points and five assists. Mackenzie Holmes added a career-high 18 points, six rebounds and two blocks, shooting 6-of-8 from the field and a perfect 5-of-5 from the free-throw line. Zia Cooke contributed 10 points and four rebounds off the bench. Connecticut was paced by Charlisse Leger-Walker, who scored 16 points, while Kennedy Burke and Nell Angloma each added 15. The Sun received a franchise-record 62 bench points and controlled several key categories, including rebounds, points in the paint, fast-break points, second-chance points and points off turnovers. With the result, Seattle moved to 1-4, while Connecticut improved to 1-5 and snapped its five-game losing streak to open the season. The two teams are scheduled to meet again in Seattle on May 22