Spicy, electric, gripping. Today’s matchup between Seattle and Minnesota was everything that the fans would have hoped for. The rollercoaster, double-overtime game ended with the Lynx finally able to protect their home against the Storm, winning 102-93. However, was it because one of the star players on the Seattle roster, Nneka Ogwumike, had to leave the floor in the deciding minutes of the second OT?

Ogwumike, Skylar Diggins-Smith, and Jewel Loyd, the power trio of the Storm, fought the toughest of battles to keep their team in the running. So much so that with just 3:22 left in the regulation, they went on an 11-0 run to force overtime. Something similar happened in the first OT as the teams went back and forth. Tying again, the teams forced a second overtime of the season. However, just when things were looking in favor of the Storm, one of their best players went down injured and left the floor.

With the Lynx up 3 and 2:43 remaining in the 2nd OT, Minnesota’s Kayla McBride drove to the basket, where she was met by Ogwumike. While the 2016 MVP was able to defend the basket, she landed awkwardly, twisting her ankle in the process. Seattle grabbed the rebound and continued the game as Ogwumike took some time to get past the half-court. With just 1 timeout remaining, Seattle head coach Noelle Quinn decided not to use it and the Storm forced a three that didn’t go in. McBride grabbed the rebound and was quickly fouled as Ogwumike made her way to the bench, limping.

The game that had fans going through a roller coaster of emotions such as anger, happiness, tiredness, and disappointments, could have been a turning tide for the Storm who are now 0-2 to start the season.

Nneka Ogwumike remains the leader despite injury

While there is no update on how the injury is going to affect Ogwumike and when she can return, we definitely know how the 8x All-Star performed tonight. In the tiring game, the Seattle No. 3 recorded a double-double. Tonight, she scored 24 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, both team highs. She also had 5 steals. Playing a total of 42:44 minutes for the team against the Lynx, Nneka Ogwumike proved that she indeed is a great fit for the team.

Although the Storm have lost both games against Minnesota to start the season, they continue to keep their hopes up. Even if Ogwumike misses time due to this injury now, Seattle does have more vets like Skylar Diggins-Smith and Jewel Loyd to depend on. However, seems like the black clouds continue to roam over the team as their rookie Nika Muhl is having some visa troubles and now Nneka Ogwumike may be out for at least one game.