On the second stint of gams where they play their opponent in back-to-back games, the (3-4) Seattle Storm welcome the (2-3) Washington Mystics into Climate Pledge Arena on Memorial Day Weekend. The Mystics bring a formidable front court that is averaging 38.3 points in the paint per game and 33.9 rebounds per game, as compared to the Storm, 34.3 points in the paint per game and 31.5 rebounds per game.
Although the Mystics beat the Storm 36-18 in points in the paint, the rebounds in the game were much closer at 26-24. The Storm’s ability to shoot 46.4 percent from three-point range minimized the advantage for the Mystics in the Storm’s first home win of the season.
Not only did the Storm have their highest scoring outputs of the season, but they once again outscored their opponents’ bench in this match-up. In each of their wins this season, the Storm have outscored their opponents by 49 points. A surprised coach Raman had this to say about this revelation.
“That’s a good stat — I didn’t know that. I think our whole group is hungry. They work really hard, and they know they need to be ready when their number is called. They go out there and play with confidence. The idea is that there’s no let‑up when we go to our bench,” Coach Sonia Raman said about their bench scoring. “Everyone has their own strengths, and we want to tap into those. Whether you’re a starter or coming off the bench, we value every contribution. We want them to play with confidence, and I think they are.”
Storm fans got the first glimpse of their number three draft pick in Awa Fam in this matchup. Fam entered the game with 4:16 remaining in the first quarter. She quickly pulled down her first rebound, then she scored her first points in the WNBA on her initial pick-and-roll with Flau’Jae Johnson. Fam finished the game shooting four of seven for five for 10 points and two rebounds in nearly 20 minutes of her first game action with the Storm.
“Awa was great. She’s still learning — she just joined us on the court yesterday — but you can see what’s there,” coach Raman said. “The way she moves, her ability in pick‑and‑rolls, her court sense in finding teammates. She’ll keep growing as she gets more comfortable. Right now, she’s still learning where she’s supposed to be on both ends, but it was a really good debut.”
Fam showed signs of what made her the third pick of the WNBA draft, with her quickness, shooting ability, and competitiveness. With Ezi Magbegor and Dominque Malonga currently unavailable, her size is a welcome presence for the Storm front court.
“Fresh off the flight a couple of days ago, I think not even one practice. For her to come in and be able to adjust and listen to what we were trying to help her do — walking through or talking through plays in action — that takes a great basketball player, and that’s what she is,” Storm guard Natisha Hiedeman said about Fam. “Having her on the court felt really good. The timing will keep getting better. We’re going to be in a lot of pick‑and‑roll action, so we’ll build chemistry.”
The Storm had five players score in double figures on Sunday night against the Mystics. Eighth-year professional Hiedeman scored a game-high 24 points, while shooting 66.7 percent from deep. Rookie Flau’Jae Johnson scored 17 points in consecutive games, grabbed seven rebounds, with one assist, a steal, and a blocked shot. Veteran Center Stephanie Dolson scored 16 points and pulled down three rebounds, while recording a game high 16 +/-.
Uniquely, these two teams will have a couple of days off before they match up again on Wednesday evening in Downtown Seattle. The Storm will travel to Toronto to take on the newly minted Tempo Saturday, May 30th, while the Mystics will head to Los Angeles to take on the 3-3 Sparks on Friday, May 30th.
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