Jewel Loyd scores 31 in Seattle's bounce-back 88-74 victory over Minnestoa
Minnesota Lynx guard Diamond Miller (1) looks for a shot as Seattle Storm forward Dulcy Fankam Mendjiadeu (12) defends during the first quarter of an WNBA basketball game Sunday, Aug. 20, 2023, in Minneapolis. Credit: AP/Jeff Wheeler
MINNEAPOLIS — Jewel Loyd scored 31 points, Dulcy Fankam Mendjiadeu had a season-high 15 rebounds, and Seattle defeated Minnesota 88-74 on Sunday.
Leading 80-61 at the 5-minute mark off the fourth quarter, the Storm did not score again until Loyd hit a step-back 3-pointer for an 83-65 lead with 3:13 remaining. Joyner Holmes added a 3-pointer about a minute later and Yvonne Turner closed out the scoring with a 22-foot jumper in the final minute.
After making just 5 of 19 shots in a 78-70 loss to Minnesota in Seattle on Friday, Loyd bounced back with 10-for-25 shooting from the field, including 5 for 10 on 3-pointers, to go with 6 for 7 on free throws. She had five rebounds and four assists, playing 32 minutes.
Ezi Magbegor scored 12 points and Sami Whitcomb added 10 for Seattle (10-22).
Kayla McBride scored 18 points, Napheesa Collier 14, Aerial Powers 12 and Tiffany Mitchell 11 for Minnesota (15-17).
Minnesota took its last lead, 34-33, when McBride made two free throws late in the second quarter. Loyd answered with a 3-pointer and Seattle went on to lead 47-40 at halftime.
Seattle's lead reached 57-42 midway through the third quarter and the Storm led by double digits the rest of the way.
Minnesota Lynx guard Diamond Miller (1) collides with Seattle Storm guard Jordan Horston (23) during the first quarter of an WNBA basketball game Sunday, Aug. 20, 2023, in Minneapolis. Credit: AP/Jeff Wheeler
