Breanna Stewart, Jewell Loyd Carry Storm Past Aces, 87-83


EVERETT, Wash. (AP) — — Breanna Stewart had 28 points and 13 rebounds, Jewell Loyd added 22 points and the Seattle Storm opened defense of their WNBA title with a 97-83 victory over the Las Vegas Aces on Saturday.

The rematch of last year’s WNBA Finals in the Florida bubble was a celebration for the Storm complete with a ring ceremony and championship banner unveiling as Seattle tries to become the first team to repeat as WNBA champs since Los Angeles in 2001 and 2002.

Even with an overhauled roster, Seattle looked the part of a championship contender in the opener. Seattle trailed by as many as nine in the opening quarter, but outscored Las Vegas 45-31 in the middle two quarters to take control.

A’ja Wilson, last year’s league MVP, led Las Vegas with 24 points and Liz Cambage added 16 in her return to the WNBA after sitting out last season.

The Aces reached last year’s finals on the strength Wilson’s season. But the return of Cambage is a big reason why Las Vegas was the preseason favorite in poll of league general manager and held the No. 1 spot in the first AP WNBA power poll.

Seattle received a scare when Bird limped off the court favoring her left leg with 6½ minutes left after a collision with Cambage. Bird immediately jogged into the tunnel underneath the stands and could be seen testing out the leg.

Bird returned to the Seattle bench several minutes later and re-entered with 4:19 left. She added her third 3-poitner with 1:24 left to give Seattle a 15-point lead.

Bird finished with 11 points and eight assists beginning her 18th WNBA season. Newcomer Candice Dupree added 12 points for Seattle.