Sami Whitcomb gets buckets to lead Seattle comeback

We could tell you how Sami Whitcomb of the Seattle Storm matched a WNBA record for most three-pointers in a half, knocking down six in Friday night’s game against the New York Liberty, but let’s be real, showing you is much more fun!

Whitcomb’s official introduction to the WNBA turned into the best performance from a rookie this season. The 28-year-old led the Storm with 22 points, including a dagger with just under a minute to play. Her surge helped Seattle erase a 10-point deficit to beat New York 87-81 at Key Arena.

“I haven’t seen another player that can heat up the way she can,” Seattle head coach Jenny Boucek told reporters after the game.

Whitcomb accumulated just three points before Friday’s game, but she’s no stranger to getting buckets. Last winter, she set a single-season scoring record in the WNBL (Australia). In any event, the storybook journey for Whitcomb added a glorious chapter.

“I got put in, they left me open and I just tried to knock down some shots,” she said. “You dream of a night like this and you never think it’s going to happen.”

While Whitcomb matched a league record, Seattle matched a franchise record for most three-pointers in a game. They hit 14 of 28 from downtown, including a trio from Sue Bird and Breanna Stewart.

Overall, the duel between the Liberty and Storm was a sight to behold. There were 11 ties and 15 lead changes, with highlights coming from established stars and rising talent alike. New York’s Tina Charles scored a game-high 28 points, including an 18-point explosion in the third quarter. Sugar Rodgers drilled six triples of her own en route to a 21-point performance.

For Seattle, Stewart had 20 points, including an 11-of-13 clip from the free throw line. Jewell Loyd added 16 points. Thanks to the comeback, the Storm still hold a perfect record at home, improving to 3-0.