Storm vs. Sky Preview: Carter-Loyd Seeks Home Win Streak

On July 6, the WNBA regular season continues as the Storm host the Sky. Following a sweep of the Wings, the Storm have won four straight games and are currently fourth in the league with a 13-6 record. They average 84.2 points per game, third-best in the league, while conceding 77.9, making them the third stingiest defensively. The Storm excel at pressuring opponents, averaging 10.3 steals per game, and they’re solid on the boards with 36.2 rebounds per game, third in the league. However, their three-point shooting is weak, hitting only 6.2 threes per game at a 30.7% clip, both ranking near the bottom. Additionally, they struggle with ball control, committing 13.5 turnovers per game, among the highest in the league. This season, the Storm have shown significant improvement compared to last year’s disappointing campaign, where they finished 11-29, second from the bottom and out of the playoffs. In the offseason, the Storm added two star players, All-Star Ogwumike and former Mercury standout Diggins-Smith. With Stewart’s departure last season, the team struggled, but these signings indicate the Storm’s ambition for the new season. Currently, four players average double-digit points, led by Loyd with 20.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists, followed by Ogwumike (17.2 points, 7.3 rebounds), Magbegor (13.4 points, 8.8 rebounds), and Diggins (13.9 points, 6.1 assists). In their last game, the Storm defeated the Wings 95-71 at home, with Loyd scoring a game-high 26 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists, Ogwumike adding 14 points and 5 rebounds, and Magbegor contributing 12 points and 7 rebounds. The Sky, after defeating the Dream, avoided a third consecutive loss and are now 7-11, sitting eighth in the league. Last season, the Sky made the playoffs with an 18-22 record but were swept by the Aces in the quarterfinals. Key departures this offseason included Cooper, who joined the Mercury, and Courtney Williams. Despite losing these players, the Sky found success in the draft, selecting Cadoso at No. 3, Reese at No. 7, and Maxwell at No. 13. Sky’s rebuilding process remains ongoing, with challenges ahead. The Sky average 79.4 points per game, ninth in the league, and allow 80.8, seventh-best defensively. Their rebounding is strong, with 36.2 rebounds per game, second only to the Liberty. But their three-point shooting is poor, making just 4.3 threes per game at a 29.9% rate, both ranking at the bottom. Furthermore, they commit a league-high 20.2 fouls per game, an area that needs improvement. Four Sky players average double-digit points: Atkinson (14.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists), Austin (11.7 points, 6.8 rebounds), Sexton (11.3 points), and Dolson (10.4 points). In their last game, the Sky beat the Dream 85-77, with Carter scoring 26 points and 4 assists off the bench, Evans adding 14 points, and Reese recording a double-double of 12 points and 19 rebounds. The Storm and Sky have already met once this season, with the Storm winning 77-68 on the road. Given their recent form, the Sky will likely face a tough challenge against the red-hot Storm. Elizabeth Williams will be out for the Sky, while the Storm have no new injury reports. Who will come out on top? We’ll have to wait and see.