Nneka Ogwumike plays her final game in the Pacific Northwest today, marking the end of an era for the Seattle Storm as the WNBA heads into its FIBA World Cup break until September 17. This isn’t just another game for our Emerald City squad; it’s a bittersweet farewell as Nneka takes the court for the Los Angeles Sparks against the Storm one last time at 5 p.m. ET on WNBA League Pass.
A Storm Legend’s Final Bow
You know Nneka. She interrupted her thirteen seasons with the Sparks to spend two pivotal years right here in Seattle. She was recruited to be a core part of the first Storm dynasty after the Breanna Stewart era, and she delivered. Today, she’s saying goodbye to the only other WNBA team she’s ever known, with just five games left in her entire career. It hits different to see her on the opposing side for this final PNW matchup, knowing what she contributed to our green and blue. It’s a moment to appreciate her impact, even as we compete against her.
WNBA Goes on Break, Playoff Battles Loom
While we’re all focused on Nneka’s farewell, the rest of the league is going full throttle before the break. There are some serious questions being asked, especially with the Minnesota Lynx visiting the Atlanta Dream at 3 p.m. ET in what’s being called a potential playoff preview. The Dream have had some wild success against the Lynx lately, even taking their 2025 season series 2-1 and handing the Lynx their first home loss that year. This season, they’ve split their two May games, with the Dream barely snagging a one-point win in the opener before the Lynx comfortably took the second by 15.
If these two meet in the second round of the playoffs, Atlanta could be a real threat, especially with their rebounding prowess, which could exploit Minnesota’s biggest weakness. However, the Lynx are the league’s second-best shooting team and barely turn the ball over, while the Dream are a bottom-five shooting team. Atlanta generates its best offense from takeaways, so Minnesota’s low-turnover game could really rob them of an advantage. DeWanna Bonner is expected to debut for the Dream today, but Brionna Jones is still sidelined with a leg injury. For Minnesota, Courtney Williams is probable to return from her right foot injury, though Dorka Juhász and Anotonia Delaere have already jetted off for the World Cup.
Other Action Before The Pause
The Golden State Valkyries, fresh off a pair of defensive masterclasses on the East Coast, are back out West to face the Portland Fire at 7 p.m. ET. Then, the Dallas Wings will try to keep their upward momentum going against the Connecticut Sun at 8:30 p.m. ET. After all that, the WNBA regular season hits pause until September 17. It’s a chance for teams to regroup, for players to play for their countries, and for us fans to catch our breath. When the league returns, every game will carry even more weight. Get ready, Seattle, because the race to the postseason heats up fast once the break is over.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Swish Appeal.
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