2021 Seattle Storm season | |
---|---|
Coach | Noelle Quinn (since May 30) Dan Hughes (before May 30) |
Arena | Angel of the Winds Arena |
Attendance | 2,607 per game |
Results | |
Record | 21–11 (.656) |
Place | 3rd (Western) |
Playoff finish | 4th seed; Lost in Second Round to Phoenix Mercury |
Team Leaders | |
Points | Breanna Stewart – 20.3 ppg |
Rebounds | Breanna Stewart – 9.5 rpg |
Assists | Sue Bird – 5.3 apg |
The 2021 Seattle Storm season is the franchise's 22nd season in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). Due to ongoing renovations at the Climate Pledge Arena, the Storm played their home games at the Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington.[1]
On May 30, 2021, head coach Dan Hughes announced his retirement; the Storm named associate head coach Noelle Quinn as his permanent replacement.[2]
The Storm started the season with a finals rematch against the Las Vegas Aces. They split the series at home, 1–1. The rest of the opening month went smoother for the team, as that would be their only loss in May. Two of their wins game in overtime as well. The strong start continued into June, with the team winning their first two games of the month to extend their winning streak to six games. That streak was snapped on June 6, with a one point loss to Dallas. A five game winning streak followed the loss, but it was broken by the Storm losing their last two games of June to finish the month 7–3. The team won four of their five games in July, with their only loss coming away against Phoenix. They took a 16–5 record into the Olympic break.
The first game back from the Olympic break was the inaugural Commissioner's Cup Final, which the Storm won. The game was a dominating 79-57 victory over the Connecticut Sun. Breanna Stewart was named MVP of the game. However, she would not play in their next two games, which the Storm would both lose. The team turned their streak around with two wins, but they were followed by two losses, to give the Storm a 2–5 record in August. September proved to be a better month as the team won three of their four games to finish the season with a 21–11 record.
Their record earned them the fourth seed in the 2021 WNBA Playoffs, which gave them a bye into the Second Round. The Storm hosted the Phoenix Mercury and lost 80–85 in overtime; Stewart did not play in the game.