Seattle Storm vs Las Vegas Aces
PREVIEW:
The Las Vegas Aces will host the Seattle Storm in Game 1 of their first-round WNBA playoff series, marking a critical moment for both teams. After closing the regular season on a remarkable 16-game winning streak, the Aces secured the second seed with a 30-14 record, showcasing their dominance in the latter half of the season. The team hasn't lost since being routed by the Minnesota Lynx on August 2, transforming from a .500 team to a powerhouse that locked up the second seed. Led by A'ja Wilson's MVP-caliber performance—averaging 23.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game—the Aces have surged to the top of the WNBA in offensive output, leading with 88.6 points per game and ranking second in three-point shooting at 40.0%.
The Seattle Storm enter the playoffs with a different narrative, finishing the season 23-21 and building their identity on defense, ranking top-four in opponent scoring. With star power from Skylar Diggins and Nneka Ogwumike—who averaged more than 18 points and seven rebounds per game—the Storm have shown potential, especially considering their season series against the Aces was tied at two games apiece. The Storm clinched the final playoff spot, ending their season by winning six of their last 10 games. Fans can catch this pivotal Game 1 at 10:00 PM Eastern on ESPN, with multiple streaming options available for those without traditional cable.