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Rookie Flau’jae Johnson Scores 12 in Storm’s 78-76 Loss

4/28/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Flau’jae Johnson scored 12 points in 23 minutes as Seattle Storm lost 78-76 to the Golden State Valkyries in her first WNBA preseason game.
Johnson, the No. 8 overall pick on April 13, had her rights traded to Seattle that night for Marta Suarez and a future second-round pick.
Seattle head coach Sonia Raman said Johnson’s defensive effort matched the staff’s expectations.

History

Historical Context

On Jan 22 1997 the WNBA allocated 16 players, added two more per team in the elite draft on Feb 27, and held its first regular draft on Apr 28, where Houston selected forward Tina Thompson first overall. Thompson, alongside Cynthia Cooper and Sheryl Swoopes, led the Comets to the league’s inaugural championship, a 65-51 win before 16,285 fans.

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Story summary

Flau’jae Johnson scored 12 points in 23 minutes as Seattle Storm lost 78-76 to the Golden State Valkyries in her first WNBA preseason game.
Johnson, the No. 8 overall pick on April 13, had her rights traded to Seattle that night for Marta Suarez and a future second-round pick.
Seattle head coach Sonia Raman said Johnson’s defensive effort matched the staff’s expectations.

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