Seattle wanted a clean slate, but of course, the universe handed them the Las Vegas Aces. Nothing screams déjà vu like opening the playoffs against the same Western Conference rival that’s sent you packing two years running and most recently in a sweep so brutal the wounds still feel fresh. It’s the third act of a five-year postseason drama tonight. Once upon a time, it was the Storm who held the upper hand: Stewart, Bird, and Loyd sweeping Vegas in 2020 to claim the championship. Then came 2022, when the Aces flipped the script and snuffed out Sue Bird’s career on their way to the first of two straight titles. By 2024, Seattle’s remodel (Ogwumike, Diggins, Loyd) barely made a dent and dropped both games without so much as a late-game scare. Yet, here we are again.

But this time, the matchup has bite as the Storm finished 23-21. That’s the best record ever for a No. 7 seed under the new best-of-three format. They even split the season series with Vegas, stealing wins on the road, no less. Coach Noelle Quinn swears “the field feels wide open,” and there’s truth in that as Seattle logged wins over six of the seven playoff squads. Still, the other bench has been spitting fire: Las Vegas is led by a locked-in Jewell Loyd, who also just happens to be Seattle’s ex-star, lawsuit-level drama included. Here are all the times they’ll face each other-

• Game 1 – Sunday, Sep. 14 at Michelob Ultra Arena at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas
• Game 2 – Tuesday, Sep. 16 at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle
• Game 3 – Thursday, Sep. 18 at Michelob Ultra Arena at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas

The Aces have been untouchable since early August. It’s classic immovable object vs. irresistible force, only with an old grudge simmering under the hardwood. Let’s check it out 

Las Vegas Aces vs Seattle Storm: TV Channel and Streaming Details

For the folks who still like to kick back with the remote in hand, the game tips off at 10 p.m. EDT and will be broadcast nationally on ION. For those of you who prefer streaming on the go (or just don’t do cable anymore), you’ve got options-

• DIRECTV is offering a free trial so you can catch the game without opening your wallet.
• FuboTV sweetens the deal with up to $30 off your first month,
• while SlingTV doesn’t have a free trial but makes up for it with its own promotional offers.

So tune in!!