Hiedeman's 256-game WNBA streak ends in Storm loss

Natisha Hiedeman hadn't missed a game in nearly seven years. That changed Sunday.

A left shoulder injury kept the Storm guard out of Seattle's 82-80 loss to the Chicago Sky at Climate Pledge Arena, ending her 256-consecutive-game streak, the longest active in the WNBA and the third-longest in league history, according to the Seattle Times. The last game Hiedeman missed was Aug. 23, 2019, when she was with the Connecticut Sun.

Coach Sonia Raman acknowledged Hiedeman was disappointed and said postgame she hopes the guard will "be back soon." Raman praised the streak itself: "Just huge credit to T for what she's been able to do over the course of her career. And I know she's looking forward to starting a new streak very soon."

The injuries didn't stop there. Jordan Horston scored the game's first points but left in the third quarter with a right shoulder injury. She was still being evaluated postgame.

Down two key players, Seattle fell behind by 21 points before mounting a furious rally. An 11-0 run in the third quarter pulled the Storm within five entering the fourth, and they eventually cut the deficit to two. But the comeback fell short, dropping Seattle to 7-29 and extending its record to 2-16 in clutch situations this season.

The silver lining stood 6-foot-4 or taller. The Storm's frontcourt trio of Dominique Malonga, Ezi Magbegor and Awa Fam combined for 50 points and helped Seattle set a franchise record with 13 blocked shots. Magbegor, the last remaining player from the Storm's 2020 championship team, posted a season-high 17 points and five blocks while playing in a protective mask after breaking her nose July 9. Malonga added 19 points and 13 rebounds for her 11th double-double of the season.

"We don't want to be a team that just gives up, and I don't think we ever have been this season," Magbegor said. "Whether it's a five to 21-point deficit, we're always going to stay locked in games. But I think it just comes down to not wanting to be in a 21-point deficit."

Jade Melbourne added 11 points and Zia Cooke scored 10, giving Seattle five players in double figures. Kamilla Cardoso led Chicago with 22 points, and Natasha Cloud added 20.

Week ahead