The Indiana Fever kicked off their WNBA season with a tough schedule and now have a 1-8 overall record.
On Tuesday night, the Fever loss 88-73 to the 2020 defending champion Seattle Storm led by Breanna Stewart and Sue Bird.
Stewart scored a game-high 28 points along with two blocks and six rebounds.
Storm coach Noelle Quinn controlled the tempo of the game making sure the Storm would force the Fever to shoot at will.
“Quinn took over on Sunday after Dan Hughes abruptly announced his retirement, saying the rigors of being a head coach in the WNBA has taken a toll,” per 710 ESPN Seattle.
The Storm utilized the pick and roll making it difficult for the Fever to defend throughout the second-half.
“Sue Bird added 12 points and eight assists for Seattle (6-1), which has won four straight games. The Storm made 11 3-pointers, four from Loyd, and 21 of 24 free throws,” per 710 ESPN Seattle.
The Fever struggled to close out shooters on defense and cut the deficit to 10 points with 5:34 left in the fourth quarter.
With Kelsey Mitchell in a shooting slump…the Fever relied on Jessica Breland who came off the bench and scored 12 points.
Teaira McCowan took advantage of the post down low recording her 20th career double-double finishing with 12 points and 14 rebounds.
The Fever will take on the LA Sparks Thursday to put a winning streak together.