Full Breakdown
Storm Ends 11-Game Skid with 99-88 Win Over Liberty
6/26/2026, 1:36:38 PM
Storm Ends 11-Game Skid
On June 25, 2026, the Seattle Storm halted an 11-game losing streak with a 99-88 win over the New York Liberty at Climate Pledge Arena. Rookie guard Flau’jae Johnson posted 28 points, nine rebounds and three steals. Center Dominique Malonga added 20 points and 10 rebounds, becoming the youngest player to reach 500 career points. Seattle built a 48-40 halftime lead and maintained it despite a late Liberty rally, earning its first win since May 24.
Rebuilding After a Franchise-Worst Stretch
The Storm entered the game 4-15 after a franchise-worst 11-game slide that followed the offseason loss of veterans Nneka Ogwumike, Gabby Williams and Skylar Diggins. First-year coach Sonia Raman has focused on a youth-centered rebuild, relying on first-round picks Johnson, Awa Fam and Malonga. The win marked the first sign of progress in a season defined by league-low scoring (78.8 points per game) and defensive challenges.
Emerging Leaders
Johnson, a 22-year-old rookie, has become Seattle’s primary scorer and rebounder, ranking third among rookies in points and first among guards in rebounds. Malonga, 23, set age-related records, surpassing A’ja Wilson as the youngest to record a 30-point, 10-rebound game. Coach Raman highlighted the team’s growing “game reps” and the role of offensive rebounds in generating second-chance points.
Numbers That Tell the Story
- Final score: Seattle 99, New York 88.
- Johnson: 28 points, 9 rebounds, 3 steals.
- Malonga: 20 points, 10 rebounds; youngest to 500 career points.
- Team rebounding: 39-28 advantage; 13 offensive boards.
Official Statements & Responses
Coach Raman said the squad is learning each day and praised the 13 offensive rebounds that created second-chance points. Johnson said the win released the team’s frustration and emphasized the desire to win. Malonga stressed avoiding third-quarter lapses that have cost games. Liberty forward Jonquel Jones noted a lack of intensity and missed execution details.
Criticism & Opposition
Liberty players pointed to lapses in focus. Jones warned that the team must maintain intensity regardless of the opponent, and teammate Leonie Fiebich said Seattle “played it harder, with more effort.” Turnovers and missed box-outs were cited as decisive.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It was: Play like you want to win, don’t play like you’re scared to lose.” — Ezi Magbegor, Seattle Storm veteran guard
- “We just wanted to win,” — Dominique Malonga, Seattle Storm center
- “We’re really an unselfish team, like we really share the ball,” — Flau’jae Johnson, Seattle Storm guard
- “We have to come out with a certain level of intensity, no matter who we’re playing,” — Jonquel Jones, New York Liberty forward
What’s Next
The Liberty travel to Golden State on Sunday; the Storm host the Atlanta Dream on Saturday, aiming to extend the momentum.
