Seattle Storm Snap Losing Streak Behind Dominque Malonga’s Historic Night vs. Chicago Sky

Coming off a four-game road trip, the (6-28) Storm snag their first win of the month by beating the (12-20) Chicago Sky 97-88 at Climate Pledge Arena on Monday night. Up-and-down play, combined with many roster changes, has impacted this young Storm team most of the season. Fortunately, they have had the services of veteran forward Ezi Magbegor for the past few games.

Though Ezi, was ready to take the court, they would be without Flau’Jae Johnson, their inspirational rookie who missed her first game of the season. The Storm’s recent 11-game losing streak has the Storm feeling a certain way… and they were eager to take the court and to get their first win since the sixth of July.

“We were fed up,” Storm’s second-year center Dominque Malonga admitted post-game.

Malonga finished with a team-high 26 points, 10 rebounds, three blocks and two steals. She also made a career-high three threes on four attempts, while becoming the youngest player in WNBA history to record three straight 20-point games and record 300 career defensive rebounds. Passing Lauren Jackson, who was 22, in the process.

“Dom continues to be a walking double-double. Just the improvement that we’ve seen from her this season is incredible,” coach Sonia Raman said of Malonga post-game.

Against the Sky, the Storm got contributions from many unsuspecting players. Taylor Thierry set career highs in minutes, shots, and points. Jordan Horston and Zia Cooke also had major contributions in their win.

While earning her most minutes in a game of the season, Taylor Thierry scored the most points she’s scored all season; she also pulled down six rebounds, handed out three assists, and picked up one steal in her nearly 22 impactful minutes against the Sky.

“We were definitely expecting to use Taylor tonight. We knew she’d be ready. It’s not easy to stay ready when you’re in play groups, getting extra workouts, and making those reps live and game like,” Storm HC Raman mentioned post-game. “She’s been intentional with her work. She focused on energy, crashing the boards, and being tenacious defensively. She did a great job — I’m super proud of her.”

Zia Cooke hit a couple of daggers as the Sky tried to close the gap in the matchup. She finished the game with 16 points, two rebounds, and one assist in the win against the Sky.

“Zia is a competitor — fearless, attacking immediately, a bulldog,” Coach Raman shared after the game. “Her ability to touch the paint, her physicality, and the force she plays with really help our offense.

Jordan Horston recorded double-digit points for the first time all season, including shooting 4-for-5 from the free-throw line. She pulled down six rebounds and grabbed two steals in her 23 minutes against the Sky.

“Her activity. She’s everywhere — making plays, covering breakdowns, getting steals and deflections with her wingspan,” Raman said of Horston, their valuable wing player. “Her compete level and care factor are extremely high. She’s been working, and it’s great to see the steps she’s taken these last few games.”

DiJonai Carrington did not allow her recent ejection to impact her game against the Storm. She came off the bench to lead all scorers in points, and became the first player in WNBA history to record 25+ points, 5+ rebounds, and 5+ steals in a game. Carrington was limited to just 27 minutes against the Storm, but she became the second player this season to achieve that stat line, joining reigning MVP and Las Vegas Aces Center A’ja Wilson. Sky center Kamilla Cardoso added 15 points and 13 rebounds.

This season, the Storm have endured multiple long losing streaks; throughout the process, the squad has remained positive, and this win was evidence of that focus and desire. Coach Raman deflects any credit for keeping the ladies focused, giving them all the credit.

“Staying positive, focusing on solutions, pouring confidence into them, and encouraging them. But a lot of credit goes to them — they haven’t wavered,” Raman told me. “Their locker room is the same today as it was on day one. Their togetherness, unselfishness, and commitment to the culture over individual needs is special. They enjoy being around each other, and they’ve weathered a tough season while still playing super hard and finding ways to impact winning.”

The Storm takes on the Portland Fire at Climate Pledge Arena on Friday, Aug. 14. Tipoff is at 7 p.m. PT and will be broadcast nationally on ION. The Sky will take on the Golden State Valkyries on Wednesday night, before returning to Seattle to play the Storm again and finish off their three-game road trip.

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