Jewell Loyd Reflects on Past as She Prepares for Playoff Showdown

Introduction

As the WNBA playoffs approach, Jewell Loyd finds herself in a unique position. The Las Vegas Aces guard is gearing up for a first-round playoff matchup against her former team, the Seattle Storm, a franchise that has been both a significant part of her career and a source of recent controversy. Loyd, who has been vocal about her challenging exit from Seattle, stated that she is now “at peace” as she prepares to face the Storm once again.

A New Chapter in Las Vegas

Loyd, who was drafted first overall by the Storm in 2015, spent a decade with the team, during which she won two championships and established herself as one of the league’s top players. However, her departure from Seattle was anything but smooth. After the Storm’s playoff exit last season, Loyd alleged harassment and bullying by the coaching staff, leading to her trade to the Aces in February. The Storm conducted an independent investigation into her claims but found no violations.

“With the season’s progression, I’ve realized it’s just basketball,” Loyd remarked after a practice session, emphasizing her focus on the present rather than the past. “I’ve settled that. It doesn’t feel like anything. I’m at peace with everything.”

The Playoff Matchup

The Aces are set to face the Storm for the second consecutive year in the playoffs, with Game 1 scheduled for Sunday at Michelob Ultra Arena. Last season, the Aces swept the Storm 2-0 in the first round. This year, Loyd’s performance will be under close scrutiny as she looks to help the Aces advance further in the postseason.

Loyd has already faced her former team twice this season, with each team winning one game. In their second meeting, she alleged that a Storm assistant coach directed inappropriate language at her, a claim that the WNBA reviewed but ultimately did not result in any disciplinary action.

Reflecting on her return to Seattle, Loyd noted, “The first time I went back, it was a little weird. As a veteran, I understand that the league goes through ups and downs. Here with the Aces, people see my value. They see who I am, my character, and my reputation. I’m way more than just a basketball player here. I feel like I can be myself.”

Transitioning Roles

Despite her success as a starter, Loyd transitioned to a bench role in late July, a decision she made in collaboration with Aces head coach Becky Hammon. This change coincided with a remarkable 16-game winning streak for the Aces, showcasing Loyd’s adaptability and commitment to the team’s success.

“At first, I hesitated,” Hammon said of Loyd’s decision to come off the bench. “I wanted her to know that my belief in her had not dropped a bit. After a couple more games, she came back to me, and at that point, I wanted to do what was going to ease her mind.”

Loyd finished the regular season averaging 11.2 points and 3.2 rebounds, a testament to her ability to contribute effectively in any role. Hammon praised Loyd’s willingness to prioritize the team’s needs over her personal accolades, stating, “For someone with her résumé, it’s almost unheard of.”

Coaching Dynamics

While Loyd’s past with the Storm has not been a primary focus in her current situation, Hammon acknowledged that there were challenges during Loyd’s tenure in Seattle. “We’ve had a few conversations here and there, but nothing in-depth,” Hammon remarked. “She’s never gone into any kind of detail. I can tell you she has been one of my easiest players to coach.”

As the Aces prepare to face the Storm, Hammon emphasized the importance of supporting Loyd as they navigate the emotional complexities of playing against her former team. “I didn’t want to make a thing of it, because it’s probably already a thing,” she said. “I was just like, ‘Go out and play solid.'”

Looking Ahead

As the playoffs begin, the Aces have surged to the No. 2 seed, a significant turnaround from earlier in the season when they were at a .500 record. Loyd’s contributions will be crucial as the Aces aim for a championship run, and her former team is fully aware of her capabilities.

Seattle guard Skylar Diggins acknowledged Loyd’s shooting prowess and the challenge of defending against her. “We all know Jewell can shoot the basketball,” she noted, highlighting the Aces’ recent performance, including a record-setting game where they made 22 three-pointers.

Conclusion

Jewell Loyd’s journey from the Seattle Storm to the Las Vegas Aces has been marked by challenges and triumphs. As she prepares for her playoff matchup against her former team, she carries with her both the weight of past experiences and the hope for future success. With a renewed sense of peace and purpose, Loyd is ready to make her mark in the postseason.

Key Facts

– Jewell Loyd was drafted first overall by the Seattle Storm in 2015 and played with the team for ten seasons.
– Loyd won two WNBA championships with the Storm before requesting a trade to the Las Vegas Aces in February 2025.
– The Aces and Storm will meet in the first round of the playoffs for the second consecutive year, with Game 1 scheduled for Sunday.
– Loyd transitioned to a bench role in late July, contributing to a 16-game winning streak for the Aces.
– She finished the regular season averaging 11.2 points and 3.2 rebounds.

Source: www.espn.com