The Seattle Storm opened the 2026 WNBA season with a commanding 91-81 victory over the Portland Fire on April 30, 2026, at their home arena. The Storm’s sharp shooting and balanced attack proved too much for the expansion Fire, who battled hard but fell short in their second season in the league.

Match Overview

Seattle dominated from the opening tip, building a double-digit lead by halftime behind efficient offense and gritty defense. The Storm’s starting five clicked early, while the Fire struggled to contain the Storm’s pace in transition. Portland showed resilience in the third quarter, cutting the deficit to single digits, but Seattle responded with a decisive run in the fourth period to seal the result.

Key Performance Factors

• Offensive Balance: The Storm had five players in double figures, led by a game-high 22 points from their veteran guard, demonstrating depth that will be crucial in a long season.
• Defensive Stops: Seattle forced 16 Fire turnovers and converted them into 22 points, flipping the game’s momentum every time Portland threatened.
• Second-Chance Points: The Storm out-rebounded Portland 42–34, with 14 offensive boards leading to 18 second-chance points.

Standout Players

For the Storm, the duo of Jewell Loyd and Ezi Magbegor combined for 38 points, with Magbegor adding 12 rebounds and 4 blocks. Portland’s Satou Sabally led her team with 19 points and 8 assists, showing why she was a key offseason acquisition.

Season Implications

The victory gives Seattle an early 1-0 record in the highly competitive WNBA Western Conference standings. For Portland, the loss serves as a learning experience as they continue to build chemistry after a 15-win season in 2025. The Fire will look to bounce back quickly, with their next game against the Las Vegas Aces on May 2.