Stewart and Loyd Combine For 43, But Seattle Drops Season Opener
Click here to watch the season opener's highlights, courtesy of WNBA.com
Brian Agler's Los Angeles Sparks routed Seattle 96-66 to start what could be another long season for the Storm.
Breanna Stewart finished her debut with 23 points on 9-13 shooting, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 5 fouls, and 3 turnovers.
Although Seattle outrebounded the Sparks 25-24, the Storm committed 24 turnovers while Los Angeles had 10, and accordiingly attempted only 49 shots to the Sparks' 66.
Jewell Loyd added 20 points on 6-14 shooting and a perfect 8-8 at the free throw line, but the rest of the team chipped in only 23 points. Sue Bird was 1-5 in over 27 minutes of playing time.
The Storm had no answer for Candace Parker all game long, who led the Sparks with 34 points. Geno Auriemma's decision to leave her off the USA Olympic team in favor of Breanna Stewart may have given Parker some extra fire.
Seattle will travel to Phoenix next Friday, May 20, to play the Mercury.