The Seattle Storm delivered a commanding performance at home on June 26, 2026, defeating the New York Liberty 99–88 in a highly anticipated Women’s National Basketball Association matchup. The victory showcased the Storm’s depth and offensive firepower, as they outplayed one of the league’s premier teams in front of a roaring home crowd.

Match Overview

From the opening tip, Seattle set the tempo. The Storm’s fast-paced offense and aggressive defense forced the Liberty into early turnovers, allowing the home side to build a double-digit lead in the first quarter. New York, known for its high-scoring offense, struggled to contain Seattle’s ball movement and perimeter shooting. By halftime, the Storm held a comfortable 52–40 advantage.

The Liberty mounted a comeback in the third quarter, trimming the deficit to single digits thanks to sharp shooting from beyond the arc. However, Seattle’s resilience shone through. Key defensive stops and timely baskets in the fourth quarter sealed the 99–88 victory, improving the Storm’s record and sending a statement to the rest of the league.

Key Moments

• First-quarter surge: Seattle opened with a 14-2 run, forcing New York to play catch-up from the outset.
• Third-quarter push: The Liberty cut the lead to six points with five minutes left in the third, but the Storm answered with a 9-0 run to restore order.
• Clutch free throws: In the final two minutes, Seattle converted 8-of-8 from the free-throw line to ice the game.

Standout Players

Seattle Storm: The home team was led by a balanced attack. Guard Jewell Loyd poured in 28 points on 10-of-18 shooting, adding six assists and four rebounds. Forward Ezi Magbegor dominated the paint with 16 points, 12 rebounds, and three blocks. Off the bench, guard Sami Whitcomb provided a spark with 14 points, including four three-pointers.

New York Liberty: Breanna Stewart led the Liberty with 30 points and nine rebounds, continuing her MVP-caliber season. Sabrina Ionescu contributed 22 points and seven assists, but the team struggled with 15 turnovers that proved costly.

Season Impact

The win keeps Seattle firmly in playoff contention in the competitive WNBA standings. For New York, the loss snaps a three-game winning streak but leaves them still near the top of the league. The result also adds an intriguing chapter to the Storm-Liberty rivalry, with both teams expected to meet again in the postseason.

With this victory, Seattle demonstrated they can hang with the league’s elite, while New York will look to tighten their defense ahead of their next matchup. Fans of the WNBA will be watching closely as these two powerhouses continue their push toward the championship.