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The Seattle Storm are ready to unleash their newest weapon.

All-Star Upgrade: Seattle Storm Add Defensive Firepower Ahead of Aces Clash

Jacobo Garrido

Jul 29, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Mystics guard Brittney Sykes (20) drives to the basket as Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) defends in the second half at CareFirst Arena.
Jul 29, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Mystics guard Brittney Sykes (20) drives to the basket as Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) defends in the second half at CareFirst Arena. / Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

SEATTLE — Just days after acquiring 2025 All-Star guard Brittney Sykes from the Washington Mystics, the Storm are wasting no time plugging her into the lineup. Sykes is set to make her debut tonight against the defending champion Las Vegas Aces a high-stakes matchup that could quickly showcase just how game-changing her arrival might be.

Sykes, known for her relentless two way play, arrives in Seattle averaging 15.4 points, 4.3 assists, and 1.2 steals per game this season. She brings a defensive pedigree that includes four WNBA All-Defensive Team selections, two First Team nods in 2021 and 2023, and two Second Team honors in 2020 and 2022. She also led the league in steals back-to-back in 2021 and 2022. Her presence instantly bolsters a Storm backcourt looking for more consistency on both ends.

Seattle gave up franchise cornerstone Alysha Clark, rising guard Zia Cooke, and a 2026 first-round pick in exchange for Sykes. Clark, a fan favorite and two-time WNBA champion with the Storm, leaves a legacy of toughness and community impact. But with the Storm hovering around the playoff bubble, management saw an opportunity to inject energy and defensive grit something Sykes brings in spades.

The timing couldn’t be more dramatic. Seattle’s opponent tonight, the Las Vegas Aces, are coming off a narrow win over the Golden State Valkyries, led by another dominant performance from A’ja Wilson. The MVP candidate racked up 27 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks reminding everyone why the Aces remain the team to beat.

Sykes will have her hands full guarding a Las Vegas offense that ranks among the league’s most potent. But she’s no stranger to big matchups and could be the X-factor Seattle needs to pull off the upset. Her defensive intensity should help slow down the Aces’ perimeter threats, while her ability to push the pace and score in transition adds a dynamic wrinkle to Seattle’s attack.

With Sykes in uniform, the Storm have a new edge and they’ll need it. Tonight isn’t just another game; it’s the start of a new chapter. One where Seattle hopes the arrival of Brittney Sykes marks the beginning of a playoff push.

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Jacobo Garrido
JACOBO GARRIDO

Jacobo Garrido is a graduate of California State University, Long Beach, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism with a focus on multimedia and broadcast reporting. During his time at CSULB, he worked as a field reporter for Dig en Español magazine, covering topics impacting the Latino community in Long Beach and surrounding areas. He also reported and produced campus news content, gaining hands-on experience in writing, editing, and on-camera storytelling. After graduating, Jacobo served as the national news correspondent for L28 News for over three years, where he wrote, shot, and edited weekly news segments covering major stories across the country. His experience spans live sports coverage, community profiles, and digital-first storytelling, with a passion for sharing stories that reflect and connect with diverse audiences.

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