(Arlington, Texas) - Defense was optional for the Seattle Storm (7-31) as they got out to another slow start and trailed by 20 points in the first quarter and by as many as 35 points in the game. The Dallas Wings (22-16) led 56-21 before they let off the gas. The home team shot 60% FG overall and 75% from beyond the arc in the opening period and never looked back. Despite a 14-0 run at the end of the first half, Seattle never seriously threatened to make the game competitive. Dallas cruised to a 92-70 victory over Seattle.
Rookie Flau’jae Johnson led the way with 23 points on 9-19 FG, including tying a career-high with five made three-point baskets. She also led the team in steals with three and tied for a team-high with six rebounds. At times, it felt like she was the only one really putting forth much effort.
I asked Flau’jae about her positive performance, but she wasn’t looking for any moral victories.
“Just try to put the ball in the basket every night. Take the same shots that I’ve been taking. I make them; it’s a good game. I miss them. It’s a bad game, so just, you know, just continue to do what I do.” Johnson said reluctantly.
Outside of Flau’jae, Jade Melbourne was the only other bright spot from this game. She finished with 15 points on 6-12 FG and knocked down 3-7 FG from beyond the arc.
I spoke to Seattle’s coach about the progress she’s seen from Melbourne regarding her outside shooting.
Coach Raman replied, “Jade’s one of those players that she’s getting coming in, she’s getting extra work in. She’s been working on that 3-ball with Marcus Tibbs, like any time that she can, whenever she can get into the gym. They catch and shoot, the off the dribble, understanding coverages and how teams guard her, and that’s a good shot for her, and she’s going to get those open looks. And then, you know, as coaches, like, we want our players to shoot with confidence and understand they have a green light. So, she knows she has that, and if that’s the right shot to take, like, we want Jade to take it, and it’s been really great to see the work she’s been putting in, translate on the court as well.”
Seattle started their Big 3 post players, dubbed the “Seattle Skyline” by play-by-play man Dick Fain, for the first time this season. Unfortunately, it did not go well. While those three completely dominated their minutes on the court together against the Chicago Sky last week, it was the total opposite in the game against Dallas. Rookie Awa Fam was held scoreless on 0-5 FG and 0-3 FG from beyond the arc. She tied Flau’jae for a team-high six rebounds, but otherwise had minimal impact on the game. Ezi Magbegor finished with just two points on 0-4 FG. Dominique Malonga was the best of the big three, but still struggled with her efficiency and foul trouble. Malonga finished with 12 points on 4-10 FG, 0-3 FG from the 3-PT line, and had just five rebounds.
Despite the poor overall record, Seattle has been competitive in most of these games. However, there seems to be some regression in recent games. I asked Coach Raman about that after the game.
Raman said, “