Seattle Storm playoffs 2025 — Jewell Loyd and Nneka Ogwumike lead the Storm into the postseason, with Breanna Stewart’s New York Liberty looming as their biggest obstacle.
The Seattle Storm playoffs 2025 run carries a layer of drama the league couldn’t script better. After years of glory with Breanna Stewart at the helm, the Storm now enter the postseason led by Jewell Loyd and Nneka Ogwumike. But waiting in the wings could be Stewart’s New York Liberty, a potential matchup that would blend history, rivalry, and high stakes.
Seattle fans know this isn’t just another playoff run — it’s about proving that the Storm remain contenders in the post-Stewart era.
Jewell Loyd: The New Face of Seattle
With Stewart gone, Jewell Loyd has fully stepped into the role of franchise cornerstone. She’s having one of her best offensive seasons yet, blending elite scoring with veteran leadership.
Loyd has relished the challenge. “People thought we’d fall off without Stewie,” she said. “But this team has fight, and we’re showing the league we’re still here.”
Her ability to score in bunches gives Seattle a chance in any playoff series, even against loaded rosters like the Liberty or Aces.
Nneka Ogwumike’s Impact
The addition of Nneka Ogwumike has been transformative. Her leadership and consistency in the paint balance Loyd’s perimeter firepower. At 34, Ogwumike has brought stability and championship experience to a Storm team still adjusting to a new identity.
Coach Noelle Quinn praised her: “Nneka is the glue. She makes the tough plays, steadies the group, and sets the standard.”
Her presence has allowed younger players like Ezi Magbegor to grow without shouldering the full burden inside.
The Shadow of Breanna Stewart
No matter how far Seattle goes, the conversation always circles back to Breanna Stewart. She delivered two championships to the city and left as one of the greatest players in franchise history.
But in New York, Stewart is now the opponent, not the savior. A playoff showdown between the Storm and Liberty would carry deep emotions for both sides.
Seattle guard Kia Nurse admitted: “It’s weird facing Stewie in these moments. She’s family here, but now she’s the one standing in our way.”
For fans, it’s bittersweet. Many still cheer Stewart from afar, but in the postseason, loyalties are firmly with the Storm.
Seattle’s Pressure Point: Depth
The Storm’s starting five can compete with anyone, but depth remains a concern. In long playoff series, bench production will be critical. If Loyd or Ogwumike are forced to carry too much, Seattle risks running out of gas against deeper teams.
Still, their defensive intensity and veteran poise give them a shot to steal games against more talented rosters.
The Potential Liberty Matchup
A clash with Stewart’s Liberty would be box office gold for the WNBA.
- For Seattle: it’s about proving they can thrive without her.
- For Stewart: it’s about showing she made the right choice to leave.
- For fans: it’s a storyline dripping with history, emotion, and legacy.
Jewell Loyd said it best: “If we face them, it won’t be about Stewie leaving. It’ll be about us chasing a championship. That’s our focus.”
The Fans’ Perspective
Seattle fans remain among the league’s most passionate. Climate Pledge Arena has been loud all season, with fans embracing the Storm’s new identity.
One longtime supporter explained: “Stewie gave us incredible memories. But now this is Jewell’s team. We’re ready to write the next chapter.”
That emotional connection could lift the Storm during tough stretches in the postseason.
Legacy in Transition
The Seattle Storm playoffs 2025 mark a turning point. The franchise once defined by Sue Bird and Breanna Stewart is now powered by Loyd, Ogwumike, and Magbegor.
If they can make a deep run, it will validate the front office’s vision and solidify Seattle’s place among the league’s elite even after losing its biggest star.
Coach Quinn summed it up: “This group deserves its own story. We’re not chasing the past — we’re building our future.”
Conclusion
The Seattle Storm playoffs 2025 carry all the ingredients of a classic postseason drama: a new identity, a veteran core, passionate fans, and the looming presence of Breanna Stewart’s Liberty.
Whether they bow out early or shock the league with a deep run, one thing is clear — the Storm are no longer living in Stewart’s shadow. They’re carving out a new era, and the playoffs will determine how quickly that era takes hold.
For Seattle, this postseason is about proving resilience, pride, and belief. For the fans, it’s about embracing change while never forgetting the past.
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