Storm lose to Indiana but still clinch a postseason berth

Herald news services

SEATTLE — Even though the Seattle Storm lost to the Indiana Fever 63-54 Sunday, they still accomplished their primary goal.

Seattle clinched a WNBA playoff spot earlier in the day with the New York Liberty’s 101-72 loss to the Washington Mystics.

Seattle advances to the playoffs for the 15th time in its 20 seasons.

“Our goal every year is to reach the playoffs and be playing our best basketball heading into the postseason,” Storm head coach Dan Hughes said before Sunday’s game. “I’m extremely proud of this team and the adversity that they have overcome to clinch a playoff berth. We will continue to fight for the highest possible seed so that we can embark on the playoff journey in front of our incredible fans.”

The Storm earned its playoff spot despite playing this season without reigning WNBA MVP Breanna Stewart and all-star point guard Sue Bird, who are both out with injuries.

Looking to defend their 2018 title, the Storm have six games remaining before the conclusion of the regular season Sept. 8. Potential playoff games could begin as early as Sept. 11, depending on the Storm’s final seeding. In its current position, Seattle would host a first-round single elimination game.

In Sunday’s game, Teaira McCowan had 22 points and 19 rebounds to lead Indiana, which kept its slim playoff hopes alive. The Fever trail Phoenix by 3½ games for the final playoff spot and have five games remaining.

McCowan had the second-best rebounding effort by any player in the WNBA this season. The Connecticut Sun’s Jonquel Jones had 22 rebounds against the Sparks on May 31.

Kelsey Mitchell added 13 points and Candice Dupree scored 12 for the Fever (10-19). McCowan was 9-of-15 from the field and grabbed six offensive rebounds.

Natasha Howard had 14 points, nine rebounds, five assists for the Storm (15-14). Howard reached 200 career blocks with her first rejection of the night and finished with two more to improve her total to 202.