On the Beat With the Seattle Storm 05/27/2021

The defending champion Seattle Storm are 4-1 in first place in the Western Conference. Their recent victory over the previously undefeated Connecticut Sun extended their winning streak to three games.

On Thursday, the Storm held a media session featuring Head Coach Dan Hughes and players Candice Dupree and Mercedes Russell. I especially like practice day media sessions because they tend to be be focused on less game-specific topics.

Coach Hughes started by discussing his recent absence to be with his family for his son's graduation. A coaching veteran of more than 20 years, Hughes expressed his changing values. Without regretting previous decisions, Hughes admitted his priorities have changed a bit. More accurately, his ability to balance family and coaching has improved. Both sides of his life are obviously important, but there is room for both.

That conversation morphed into a discussion on Assistant Coach Noelle Quinn, who tok the reigns in his absence. Hughes was quick to point out this wasn't a snub of assistant coach Gary Kloppenburg, who as interim coach last season led the team to the WNBA title. The situation was more of each coach handling specific elements of the job. Hughes praised all of his staff.

Candice Dupree was next, starting her session with talk of her moving up to fourth on the WNBA all-time points list. In her 16th season, Dupree is 83 points behind Cappie Pondexter. While it is an accomplishment that brings her pride, she doesn't really think about it right now.

The 7x All-Star also talked about her changing role. After signing with the Storm in the offseason, Dupree has seen her game minutes drop to below 20 for the first time. It is still early in the season and the team is still finding the right combinations, but obviously she would like to play more. I don't think it is a point of controversy at this point, but it is a situation worth watching.

Lastly, Russell took her turn on the hot seat. Russell spent most of her session answering questions about defense aqnd setting screens on offense. It was an interesting peak into the min of a player on both sides of the ball.

The Storm returns to the court tonight when they host the Minnesota Lynx. The Lynx, who already lost once to the Storm this season, and the Los Angeles Sparks are the only teams without a win. I don't see the Lynx breaking into the win column tonight.

That media session can be found at On the Beat With the Seattle Storm 05/27/2021. Check back here for my recurring coverage of the WNBA.

On the Beat With the Seattle Storm 05/09/2021

The Seattle Storm held media sessions on Sunday from Training Camp. Coach Dan Hughes and players Breanna Stewart, Sue Bird and Jewell Loyd fielded questions.

The reigning champs had one major change in the offseason. Coach Hughes returned from a one year absence from the sidelines due to health concerns in the COVID pandemic. Assistant Gary Kloppenburg took the helm and guided the Storm to the title, but now returns to his assistance coach role.

Coach Hughes discussed how his time away from the bench might have affected his perspective. Of course, despite not coaching the team on a daily basis, Coach Hughes was still involved in the team. The change in coaching didn't affect the team last season, nor is it expected to disrupt the tam this season with Coach Hughes back. It's still the same system.

Coach Hughes, Stewart, Bird and Loyd all gave their thoughts on the state of the league and the ongoing social justice movements. All agreed both are doing great, heading in the right direction, but still having a way to go. 

A good portion of Stewart's session focused on her recent engagement to Phoenix Mercury player Marta Xargay. Stewie took us through the process leading to the big moment. She also talked about playing against her betrothed in games.

Bird also talked about pre-game feelings. After playing so long and achieving a high level of success, Bird still gets excited, but the butterflies have mostly been replaced by a calmness. She assured us she is still just as fired up though.

Lastly Loyd talked about being included in the new mural by artists Mari Shibuya an Zahyr Lauren. Located a block away from the Storm's home at Climate Pledge Arena, the mural measures 50 feet by 20 feet and features Loyd, Stewart and Bird.

Loyd also talked about her stint as an assistant coach on Doug Bruno's staff at DePaul this last season. Loyd has a long relationship with Bruno and was happy to coach the Blue Demons. She was quick to state she has no intention of going into coaching, but she wanted t help the young athletes and give back a bit.

Lastly, I got Loyd to talk a bit about Chicago food. A native of Lincolnwood, a suburb just north of Chicago and one block from where I live, Loyd mentioned Lou Malnati's Portillo's, East of Edens and Dear Franks. Aside from being a star player, I can tell from my experience, Loyd has excellent taste in dining options.

The Storm open their regular season Saturday, when they host the Las Vegas Aces. The Storm and Aces met in the WNBA Finals last season, after having identical 18-4 records in the season. The Aces, Storm and Chicago Sky are considered favorites to win it all this year.

The interview session can be found at On the Beat With the Seattle Storm 05/09/2021. Also, check my recurring coverage here, on GlobalTravelerUSA.com, GlobalWomensSportsRadio.com and Patch.com.