SEATTLE — May 21, 2026 — The Seattle Storm came up just short Wednesday night, falling 80-78 to the visiting Connecticut Sun at Climate Pledge Arena in a tightly contested matchup that remained close until the final buzzer.
Despite the loss, Seattle controlled stretches of the game, narrowly outshooting Connecticut during the second and third quarters while showing strong energy on both ends of the floor.
The Storm will have a quick opportunity for redemption when they host the Sun again Friday night in the second game of their four-game homestand.
Forward Mackenzie Holmes had a standout game for Seattle, scoring a career-high 18 points along with six rebounds, two blocks and shooting 4-for-4 from the field- for her best scoring night.
Guard Natisha Hiedeman led Seattle offensively with a season-high 20 points while also adding five assists.
Zia Cooke contributed 10 points and four rebounds, including six points during a strong second-quarter stretch that helped the Storm maintain momentum.
Rookie Flau’jae Johnson energized the home crowd in the first half with a breakaway steal and fast-break layup. Johnson finished with five points in 16 minutes and added her seventh block of the season. With that mark, she became just the third Storm rookie to record seven or more blocks within the team’s first five games of a season, joining franchise legends Lauren Jackson and Breanna Stewart.
For Connecticut, Charlisse Leger-Walker paced the Sun with 16 points and three assists, while Kennedy Burke and Ashlon Jackson each added 15 points.
Game Notes:
Storm Starting Lineup
- SF – Flau’jae Johnson
- PF – Jordan Horston
- C – Stefanie Dolson
- SG – Natisha Hiedeman
- PG – Jade Melbourne
SEATTLE GAME STATUS REPORT:
Ezi Magbegor – OUT, Right Foot
Dominique Malonga – OUT, Concussion
Katie Lou Samuelson – OUT, Right Knee
Awa Fam – NWT
Taina Mair and Taylor Thierry, both previously listed as inactive due to coach’s decision, saw action after recently signing the team’s two available player development contracts.
A visibly thankful Mair smiled as the crowd screamed upon hearing her name as she was subbed in during the final minutes of the first half. Mair would earn an assist in her short time on the court.
Thierry played 9 minutes and earned 6 points, 2 rebounds, and was 2/3 for three point attempts.
Up Next: Seattle vs Connecticut – Friday, May 22, at 7 PM PT at Climate Pledge Arena.
Watch: ION Television.
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