SEATTLE — Let’s be perfectly clear, nobody on the Storm is into moral victories. They fought hard against Golden State in the season opener on Friday before falling 91-80.
We’ve said for weeks that this team would get better every time they take the floor.
They’ve been together just a few weeks with a new coaching staff and new players all over the roster.
Their best basketball is yet to come.
Still, there are signs to take away:
Dominique Malonga’s leap forward is as advertised
During Dominique Malonga’s 2025 rookie season, the growth was exponential and obvious.
From perhaps playing sparingly early in the year to being a downright force by the end of 2025, everyone knew Malonga would be the centerpiece the Storm built around.
Dom lived up to that billing with 21 points and 8 rebounds in the opener.
Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson, center, smiles while watching the first half of a WNBA basketball game between the Seattle Storm and the Golden State Valkyries, Friday, May 8, 2026, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
The 6’6″ second-year star started in the frontcourt alongside veteran Stefanie Dolson, while Ezi Magbegor recovers from a foot injury.
Dom ran the floor well, was a defensive problem for the Valkyries and showed all the signs of what was learned in year one. Dom shot over 50% while garnering two steals as well.
But this isn’t nearly about the stats as it is about watching the comfort level. Malonga was supremely confident and comfortable, a leader for this team when needed.
And it’s just the first game.
Flau’jae and Melbourne pack a punch
While you can certainly find positives with every storm player, really. One thing that stood out to me was the guard combination of Flau’jae Johnson and Jade Melbourne.
Flau’jae brings a flair for the dramatic, never fearful of the moment. A shooting stroke that is just downright pretty to watch. Johnson finished with 12 points in her first-ever WNBA game.
Seattle Storm head coach Sonia Raman talks with guard Natisha Hiedeman (2) during the first half of a WNBA basketball game against the Golden State Valkyries, Friday, May 8, 2026, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Again, she will only get better from here, and Flau’jae was already pretty darn good in game one.
But when paired with Australian standout Jade Melbourne, it brought about a really fun dynamic.
Whether they were flanked by starting point guard Natisha Heideman or Jade ran the point and Flau’jae was joined in the backcourt by Zia Cooke, Jordan Horston or a host of other players, it was a fun pairing to watch.
Seattle Storm guard Flau’jae Johnson looks on during the first half of a WNBA basketball game against the Golden State Valkyries, Friday, May 8, 2026, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Melbourne plays with endless energy; you almost get tired just by watching her constant harassing defense or continuous movement without the ball.
Jade scored 13 points, stayed in the game after breaking a tooth, and provided a necessary jolt of energy, especially on defense.
That energy and selfless play from both—while not unique to just them on this team—will serve the Storm well as it continues to grow.
Raman’s system is a breath of fresh air
Before the first quarter even ended, 9 Storm players had already seen the court.
The 10th player, Grace VanSlooten, subbed in early in the second quarter. That meant that all ten active and eligible Storm players were in the game less than 12 minutes into the action.
Welcome to new coach Sonia Raman’s system.
A relentless pursuit of playing fast, yet controlled, at all times means you have to sub to keep your players fresh.
Early the results were outstanding and even if the Valkyries rallied for the win, you can see the building blocks of what this team is trying to do.
One real and true positive to come out of it is the opportunity for players to show what they can do.
Last year, Zia Cooke didn’t see the floor much, a product of a different system under Noelle Quinn and the obvious star power in the starting five.
Now, in a small sample size of course, Cooke is “cooking” pun intended, and able to make the most of those opportunities and show off her three-point game.
It’s one game, but any basketball savant can see the real potential here.
Only time will tell how quickly it comes together and how that chemistry comes about.
But it’s undeniable just how good this team can be, and how good they will be in due time.
