Loyd ´at peace´ ahead of playoff showdown with former team Seattle

Jewell Loyd said she is “at peace” as she prepares for the Las Vegas Aces’ first-round playoff series against her former team, the Seattle Storm.

The Aces and Storm clash in the first round of the playoffs, starting on Sunday.

Loyd spent 10 seasons with the Storm, winning two championships after being drafted in 2015, but had an ill-tempered split with them earlier this year.

Following the Aces’ sweep of the Storm in last year’s first round, Loyd accused Seattle’s coaching staff of harassment and bullying during the offseason, which led to her trade request. However, an independent investigation found no wrongdoing by the Storm.

Loyd contributed 21 points, including seven 3s, during the Aces’ 103-75 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks last time out, in what was Las Vegas’ 16th straight win.

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“As the season’s gone on, it’s just basketball, right? I’ve settled that. It doesn’t feel like anything. I’m at peace with everything,” Loyd said.

“The first time I went back [to Seattle], it was a little weird. Being a vet in this league, I understand you go 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.”

Loyd, a two-time Olympic gold medallist and six-time WNBA All-Star, shifted from starter to coming off the bench in July, a move she suggested to coach Becky Hammon to better help the team.

Hammon praised Loyd’s team-first attitude: “For someone with her resume, it’s almost unheard of. She’s been one of my easiest players to coach. She wants to do anything, whatever it takes to win, including moving to the bench.”

In the build-up to Sunday’s game, Seattle acknowledged the challenge Loyd presents, with Storm guard Skylar Diggins saying, “You see how electric players can be off the bench. We all know Jewell can shoot the basketball. We definitely have to defend the 3-point line.”

Elsewhere on Sunday, the Minnesota Lynx take on the Golden State Valkyries, the Atlanta Dream face Indiana Fever, and the Phoenix Mercury do battle with the New York Liberty.