Bird, Stewart make history as Storm beat Aces in Game 1 of WNBA Finals

PALMETTO, FL - SEPTEMBER 27: Breanna Stewart #30 and Sue Bird #10 of the Seattle Storm looks on in Game Three of the Semifinals of the 2020 WNBA Playoffs on September 27, 2020 at Feld Entertainment Center in Palmetto, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2020 NBAE
Ned Dishman / National Basketball Association / Getty

Sue Bird and Breanna Stewart's record-setting performances helped the Seattle Storm defeat the Las Vegas Aces 93-80 in Game 1 of the WNBA Finals.

Stewart shined with a stellar 37-point, 15-rebound outing, and made history as the first player to record those totals in a Finals game. The 26-year-old also fell just one point shy of Angel McCoughtry's single-game Finals record of 38 points.

Meanwhile, Bird set a new WNBA playoff and Finals record with 16 assists, including 10 first-half dimes alone.

Seattle is now two wins away from winning its fourth championship and second in three seasons.

Las Vegas ended the third on an 18-4 run to get back into the contest after the team trailed by as many as 19 points. However, the Storm would ultimately battle back, holding the Aces to 13 points in the fourth quarter.

McCoughtry led Las Vegas with 20 points, while reigning MVP A'ja Wilson registered 19 points.

Seattle shot 50% from the field in the victory, including 36% (9-of-25) from 3-point range.

Game 2 is set for Sunday at 3 p.m. ET.

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