Seattle Storm Rain Over Connecticut Sun in Road Game, 79-65

Tina Charles (No. 31) of the Connecticut Sun handles the ball during the game against the Seattle Storm on July 11, 2025 at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Washington. (Photo: Scott Eklund | NBAE via Getty Images)

SEATTLE —  The Connecticut Sun came out determined at Climate Pledge Arena on Friday night, but despite flashes of promise and a gritty interior effort, the Seattle Storm pulled away for a 79‑65 victory. The loss drops Connecticut to 3‑17, while Seattle improves to 13‑8.

From the outset, the Sun showed passion in the paint, earning early opportunities with physical play and early offense.

Tina Charles, continuing her veteran consistency, paced Connecticut with 20 points and 10 rebounds, converting all 10 free throw attempts in a strong all-around performance. Charles reached a milestone when she reached 8,000 career points, joining Diana Taurasi, a fellow UConn Huskies alum, as the only WNBA players to reach this incredible threshold.

Olivia Nelson‑Ododa added 10 points, eight rebounds and two blocks. Saniya Rivers offered 12 points, two boards, three assists and two steals in 35 minutes, making her presence felt on both ends. Leïla Lacan contributed 10 points and seven rebounds, working to provide interior strength and spacing off the bench.

Seattle, led by veteran Gabby Williams’ 18 points and five assists, initiated a run midway through the second quarter, fueled from deep and on transition. A dominant performance in the third quarter by Nneka Ogwumike, who tallied 16 points and four rebounds, helped the Storm extend their lead.

Namely, the Storm pulled ahead by double digits early in the final 10 minutes, limiting Connecticut to just 13 points in that fourth quarter and closing the contest with control on both ends.

Despite the result, Connecticut’s resilience was clear. Rivers was sought out after the game, where she emphasized the effort and lessons that will carry forward.

“I think what we talked about in the locker room was just staying strong through adversity,” Rivers explained. “I think towards the end, they started to speed us up a little bit. There was a stretch where we weren’t even scoring anything. So…if we just change our mental, and just stay physical and stay the course, for four quarters, I think we’ll be fine.”

Sun head coach Rachid Meziane echoed Rivers’ words, noting significant improvement since their prior matchup in Seattle.

Aneesah Morrow (No. 24) of the Connecticut Sun drives to the basket during the game against the Seattle Storm on July 11, 2025 at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Washington. (Photo: Scott Eklund | NBAE via Getty Images)

“One month ago, we lost this game by [16] points. We won against Seattle on Wednesday. So I think…we are showing that we are growing. We competed this game against a great team,” Meziane said.

Likewise, Meziane pointed out that Connecticut still falls short in closing games but recognized the hard work and mentality shift.

“We just need to keep control at the end of the game,” he shared. “We don’t want to relax…we can be proud because we fought during those 40 minutes.”

Connecticut’s shot-making woes also undermined its efforts. The Sun shot just 36.2 percent from the field and a meager 18.8 percent (3-of-16) from beyond the arc.

Aneesah Morrow, the Sun’s rookie forward, had a quiet night, scoring four points in limited minutes, though her presence in the paint continues to grow. The team went 20-for-22 from the free throw line—one of few bright spots—but was unable to convert that discipline into momentum.

Seattle bounced back after a close first half, capitalizing on Connecticut’s cold shooting in the closing twenty minutes. The Storm shot 45.3 percent overall and connected on 25 percent of threes—slightly better efficiency than their opponent. It was their rebounding edge (28 rebounds to 35) and ability to convert quickly in transition that ultimately proved decisive.

From the opening tip, Connecticut asserted early control, racing to a 6-0 lead in the first 2:40 behind strong play from Charles and Nelson-Ododa. Early foul trouble for Jacy Sheldon resulted in Leïla Lacan playing the majority of the first half.

Connecticut’s competitive stretches were anchored by Charles’ veteran presence and Rivers’ athleticism, but they were unable to sustain the energy against the Storm’s depth and pace. Seattle tightened its defense in the fourth, holding the Sun to 13 points while methodically closing the book.

As the regular season grinds on, Connecticut’s record reflects its inconsistency, though coach Meziane and Rivers are both fixated on the trajectory. The 14-point loss, while disappointing, marks a step forward for the Sun.

Head coach Rachid Meziane of the Connecticut Sun looks on during the first quarter of the game against the Seattle Storm at Climate Pledge Arena on July 11, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo: Alika Jenner | Getty Images)

“Offensively, we just need to play with more confidence,” Meziane noted. “Sometimes we just try to execute the play instead of to attack the rim and create something…we have shown some character, and I am proud of my players this evening.”

Looking ahead, maintaining physicality and discipline in the fourth quarter must be the priority. Rivers emphasized staying the course, while Meziane called for consistency in aggression and confidence. The Sun will need both to convert close losses into wins as they continue their road stretch.

Before Connecticut heads home ahead of a big Tuesday night matchup against the Indiana Fever in Boston at TD Garden, the lessons from Seattle will linger: fight for 40 minutes, respect the pace, and close with urgency. If the Sun can sustain those elements, they may yet supplement the flashes of potential with wins.

In a season marked by growing pains, Friday’s performance may not have resulted in a W, but neither was it a collapse. Under Meziane’s direction, young talent is developing resilience, veterans like Charles still deliver, and energy players like Rivers are emerging.

The challenge remains converting character into consistent results, but the foundation is no longer hypothetical—it’s on display. While the margin may be thin, with discipline and maturity, these glimpses of growth could coalesce into a competitive stretch yet.

Next Sunrise

Connecticut’s two-game West Coast swing concludes this Sunday with a matchup against the Los Angeles Sparks (6-14) at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Tipoff is scheduled shortly after 6 p.m. ET/5 p.m. CT with NBC Sports Boston and WNBA League Pass covering the action.

Connecticut Sun: By the Numbers

Seattle Storm: By the Numbers

Saniya Rivers (No. 22) of the Connecticut Sun drives to the basket during the game against the Seattle Storm on July 11, 2025 at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Washington. (Photo: Scott Eklund | NBAE via Getty Images)