Jeff, I think you’re spot-on in this article. This is the first game this season where I actually felt proud of the way the Storm played. I loved, loved, LOVED watching thin-as-a-rail Dominique Malonga aggressively take her offense straight at A’ja Wilson. I only hope that Ezi Magbegor was watching. And paying attention. I also think that it’s good for the Storm’s young players to be competing against the likes of the Lynx and the Aces. They’ll learn more from these loses than they will from a win against Connecticut.
Once Dom grows into her body more and builds more strength, it could be over for the league. Like you, I was thrilled to see Malonga get physical with A'ja and actually get the better of her at times. I also completely agree that they'll gain much more from this tough competitive loss to the Aces than they will from beating the Sun.
It truly was one of the most complete games they’ve played. Good coaching, rotations & time outs I felt were solid. It’s hard when 3 of your 4 bigs get into foul trouble. I hope they watch tape and not only clean that up but figure out a way to get that whistle blown for us too.
I agree with everything you've said, Jeff. I also want to highlight how confidently Jordy played. This is the first game back since her injury that she played like she was on a mission, guns a-blazing, but under control. I loved our slim, fast starting lineup.
A very good, complete game from the storm. I know that sonia has to manage doms minutes and she wants to stagger her and awa, but I was almost pulling my hair out at how little they played together
Definitely give it time. Dom is just coming back from her 2nd concussion in the past 2-3 months. Plus, unfortunately, as A'ja Wilson does against everyone, Malonga got into foul trouble and likely would have played at least 3-5 more minutes if she weren't.
I am highly encouraged that Coach Raman trusts Awa to already play around 30 minutes per game over the past four games. That's a major credit to how pro-ready they believe Fam to be at just 19.
I also think the periods where Awa or Dom aren't on the court will be a lot easier to swallow when Ezi Magbegor is also out there. Once all 3 are healthy, I feel the team can play at least two of them for large portions of the game. In another comment thread, I suggested they could start all 3, and they rotate one out for rest while playing the other two, and keep cycling that throughout the game. A period where Dom rests for 5 minutes, then subs back in for Magbegor. Then Magbegor subs back in for Fam, etc.
This performance and seeing the Lynx also dismantle the Wings last night definitely is making me feel hopeful! We’ll see if the Storm can slow down the Sparks tonight.
Jeff, I think you’re spot-on in this article. This is the first game this season where I actually felt proud of the way the Storm played. I loved, loved, LOVED watching thin-as-a-rail Dominique Malonga aggressively take her offense straight at A’ja Wilson. I only hope that Ezi Magbegor was watching. And paying attention. I also think that it’s good for the Storm’s young players to be competing against the likes of the Lynx and the Aces. They’ll learn more from these loses than they will from a win against Connecticut.
Once Dom grows into her body more and builds more strength, it could be over for the league. Like you, I was thrilled to see Malonga get physical with A'ja and actually get the better of her at times. I also completely agree that they'll gain much more from this tough competitive loss to the Aces than they will from beating the Sun.
It truly was one of the most complete games they’ve played. Good coaching, rotations & time outs I felt were solid. It’s hard when 3 of your 4 bigs get into foul trouble. I hope they watch tape and not only clean that up but figure out a way to get that whistle blown for us too.
I agree with everything you've said, Jeff. I also want to highlight how confidently Jordy played. This is the first game back since her injury that she played like she was on a mission, guns a-blazing, but under control. I loved our slim, fast starting lineup.
A very good, complete game from the storm. I know that sonia has to manage doms minutes and she wants to stagger her and awa, but I was almost pulling my hair out at how little they played together
Definitely give it time. Dom is just coming back from her 2nd concussion in the past 2-3 months. Plus, unfortunately, as A'ja Wilson does against everyone, Malonga got into foul trouble and likely would have played at least 3-5 more minutes if she weren't.
I am highly encouraged that Coach Raman trusts Awa to already play around 30 minutes per game over the past four games. That's a major credit to how pro-ready they believe Fam to be at just 19.
I also think the periods where Awa or Dom aren't on the court will be a lot easier to swallow when Ezi Magbegor is also out there. Once all 3 are healthy, I feel the team can play at least two of them for large portions of the game. In another comment thread, I suggested they could start all 3, and they rotate one out for rest while playing the other two, and keep cycling that throughout the game. A period where Dom rests for 5 minutes, then subs back in for Magbegor. Then Magbegor subs back in for Fam, etc.
This performance and seeing the Lynx also dismantle the Wings last night definitely is making me feel hopeful! We’ll see if the Storm can slow down the Sparks tonight.