🔥 Diggins Rebounds from Slump with Dominant Showing
After a rough stretch where she combined for just 20 points over two games, Diggins returned to form. She struggled early—shooting 1-for-8 in the first half—but came alive after halftime, going 7-for-10 from the field for 22 second-half points.
“It’s about time,” Diggins said. “I didn’t like my last weekend. I didn’t like my homestand. I wanted to come out and be aggressive.”
📊 Diggins’ Final Stat Line vs. Mercury
- Points: 26
- Assists: 7
- Second Half Points: 22
- 3rd Quarter Points: 12
- 4th Quarter Daggers: 2 clutch jumpers, 1 buzzer-beating 3-pointer
Her offensive explosion was a reminder of her elite capabilities. As head coach Noelle Quinn praised:
“She didn’t let the 1-for-8 get her down… She’s been locked in the last couple days, and I think she found her rhythm in the second half.”
🏀 Past Performances vs. Former Team
Diggins, who spent three seasons with the Mercury, has consistently torched her former team this season:
- May 23: 24 points, career-high 14 assists
- May 17 Season Opener: 21 points, 4 assists, 4 steals
- June 7: 26 points, 7 assists
It’s clear she brings extra fire when facing Phoenix.
🤝 Supporting Cast Steps Up
While Diggins stole the spotlight, Gabby Williams was sensational early, scoring 18 of her 21 points in the first half. Williams shot 8-of-10 from the field and added seven assists and a career-best five three-pointers.
“What makes Sky so great is she can go 1-for-8, but you still have to respect the hell out of her,” Williams noted.
Nneka Ogwumike also contributed solid all-around numbers with 13 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists.
🔍 Game Summary: Key Stats
| Team | Score | Top Performer |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle Storm | 89 | Skylar Diggins – 26 pts, 7 ast |
| Phoenix Mercury | 77 | Satou Sabally – 22 pts |
- 3-point defense: Seattle held Phoenix to 8-of-25 from beyond the arc
- Fourth quarter run: Outscored Phoenix 24-16
- Record update: Seattle improves to 5-4 overall, 2-1 in the Cup
🚨 Injury Report & Phoenix Struggles
The Mercury were shorthanded, missing key players:
- Kahleah Copper (knee)
- Alyssa Thomas (calf)
- Natasha Mack (back)
- Megan McConnell (knee)
Despite solid efforts from Satou Sabally (22 points) and Lexi Held (14 points), Phoenix couldn’t keep up late.
Coach Quinn acknowledged the Mercury’s toughness:
“Everybody is a pro in this league… On paper or not, they’re going to show up and play hard.”
📅 What’s Next for Seattle?
The Storm return home for a pivotal Commissioner’s Cup clash against the undefeated Minnesota Lynx (8-0, 2-0) on Wednesday night. A win could help Seattle climb the Cup standings and build serious momentum.
âś… Conclusion
Skylar Diggins reminded the WNBA world of her superstar status, leading the Seattle Storm to a much-needed win with poise, leadership, and elite scoring. With confidence restored, the Storm are ready for their next big test against the Lynx.
âť“FAQs
Q1. How many points did Skylar Diggins score against Phoenix?
She scored 26 points, her season high, along with 7 assists.
Q2. Who else played well for the Seattle Storm?
Gabby Williams had 21 points and 7 assists, while Nneka Ogwumike added 13 points.
Q3. What is the Storm’s current record?
They improved to 5-4 overall and 2-1 in Commissioner’s Cup games.
Q4. When is the Storm’s next game?
Seattle plays the Minnesota Lynx on Wednesday, a key Commissioner’s Cup matchup.
Q5. Who was missing for the Phoenix Mercury?
Phoenix played without Kahleah Copper, Alyssa Thomas, Natasha Mack, and Megan McConnell.
