LOS ANGELES — After spending 12 seasons with the Los Angeles Sparks, former No. 1 overall pick Nneka Ogwumike made her much-anticipated return to Crypto.com Arena—this time wearing the jersey of the Seattle Storm. Her transition to Seattle came after signing as a free agent in February, and her presence has quickly become a defining factor for the Storm’s recent success.
In a tight battle, the Seattle Storm secured an 89-83 victory against the Sparks on the road, buoyed by Ogwumike’s outstanding performance. The versatile forward recorded a double-double with 23 points and 10 rebounds, showcasing her continued dominance on the court. A highlight of the game was Ogwumike’s driving layup in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter. This crucial basket not only helped seal the win but also moved her past Lisa Leslie to 12th on the WNBA’s all-time scoring list—a remarkable milestone that underscores her prolific scoring ability over the years.
This game marked Ogwumike’s first appearance in Los Angeles since switching teams, adding an emotional layer to the contest. Her influence was felt early and often as she demonstrated leadership and skill against her former team and city.
The Sparks fought hard, led by Azura Stevens’ impressive 24-point, 15-rebound performance. Rae Burrell also contributed significantly with 18 points, including five 3-pointers, while Rickea Jackson finished with 16 points. Dearica Hamby poured in with 15 points and nine rebounds in the loss.
The day belonged to the Storm and their star Jewell Loyd, who led the team with a dominating 30-point effort. Her scoring prowess was instrumental in securing the win and reaffirming the Storm’s strong momentum, especially after a recent successful home stretch where they won seven of nine games.
Ogwumike’s return to Los Angeles adds an intriguing narrative—a former franchise icon is now making waves with her new team and demonstrating why she remains one of the league’s most impactful players.
