Nneka Ogwumike Key to Improving Seattle Storm’s 3-Point Shooting
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Seattle Storm forward Nneka Ogwumike during a game against the Minnesota Lynx on June 9, 2024. Credit: John McClellan [/caption]
The Seattle Storm were the worst 3-point shooting team in the WNBA last season, converting just 28.8 percent of their attempts from beyond the arc. That claimed the worst team shooting percentage from that range since the Indiana Fever in 2021 (28.4 percent).
As the league evolves with stars like the Fever’s Caitlin Clark lighting up other teams with logo 3-pointers and some teams converting nearly 40 percent of their long-range attempts, it’s an area the Storm don’t want to be left behind.
It hasn’t been long since the Storm were among the league’s best in 3-point efficiency. In 2021, Seattle averaged 22.6 3-point attempts per game and converted a league-high 38 percent of those shots. That group had three players shooting more than five 3-pointers per game and making at least 33 percent of their attempts: Jewell Loyd, Sue Bird and Breanna Stewart. They also won 21 regular season games and reached the second round of the WNBA playoffs.
Heading into the 2025 season, the Storm must find reliable long-range output. Seattle may still lack guard options, but its incredible depth in the post should help this year’s squad space the floor better and open up more opportunities. That output could unexpectedly come from a proven veteran, who continues to grow her 3-point skills as she progresses in her career.
Nine-time All-Star and former WNBA MVP Nneka Ogwumike could emerge as a 3-point specialist for the Storm this season. If the preseason has been any indication, Ogwumike is picking up right where she left off last season — attempting a career-high 74 3-pointers.
In addition to the volume, Ogwumike was converting 40.5 percent of those shots. All three Storm players (Sami Whitcomb, Skylar Diggins and Loyd) who attempted more 3-pointers than Ogwumike last season made under 30 percent of those shots. Ogwumike picks her spots well and is lethal when given good looks at the basket.
But more indicators suggest Ogwumike could be primed for another career shooting season. Three of her top four highest-volume 3-point shooting seasons have been from 2022-24. Her efficiency continues to improve. Also, the presence of No. 2 overall pick Dominique Malonga (6-foot-6), defensive anchor Ezi Magbegor (6-foot-4) and Li Yueru (6-foot-7) seems to be allowing Ogwumike to float out to the perimeter more often.
Ogwumike was by far the most effective 3-point shooter in Seattle’s 79-59 preseason win over the Connecticut Sun on Sunday, May 4. She had a team-high 18 points, five rebounds and four assists while converting 4 of 5 attempts from beyond the arc. Ogwumike was seen working on the perimeter again in the Storm’s closed scrimmage against the Los Angeles Sparks on Saturday.
Of course, others will contribute to Seattle’s long-range shooting. That’s a big part of why Alysha Clark — the franchise’s all-time leader in 3-point percentage (39.8) — was brought back this offseason. Diggins has looked good in the preseason, Gabby Williams has been up-and-down from the range in her career and Lexie Brown has a career 35.7 percent conversion rate.
Seattle drafted TCU sharpshooter Madison Conner in the third round but waived her earlier this week. That could be because the team feels comfortable with their current shooters, but it's also a result of Conner competing on a loaded roster with only 10 available spots. Conner led the NCAA during the 2024-25 season with 128 makes.
If head coach Noelle Quinn felt the team was desperate for sharpshooters, Conner almost certainly would’ve at least been kept until final roster cutdowns. Instead, it appears the team is playing with a balance and groove that has allowed them to be confident in their shooting. The trio of towers in the post is a big boost for that.
Still, Ogwumike could lead the charge with her abilities. She will be 35 in July and is entering her 14th WNBA season, but continues to improve her game to fill the holes the Storm need. Seattle kicks off its regular season on Saturday, May 17 against the Phoenix Mercury.
