Dominique Malonga says the Storm are building and growing together, with Seattle's ability to finish off Chicago providing another step.
Dominique Malonga has embraced a long-term mindset as the Seattle Storm use this season to develop, rather than focus on the standings. On Monday, Seattle gained another game to highlight this progress.
Chicago cut a 17-point Storm lead to 4 in the third quarter, then got within 84-82 with 2:52 left in the fourth. Seattle answered both times and beat the Sky 97-88 at Climate Pledge Arena.
"I think right now it's just having fun, I would say," Malonga said. "We want to win, of course, and I think winning, it's like just having fun out there, growing.
"We know what this year was about. It was about building something and it was about growing together, and I think that's what we're doing," Malonga continued. "I think we're training in the right way. We didn't put any pressure on ourselves in the beginning of the season for any type of goals. We were just trying to thrive as a team, and I think right now that's all we have to do — just keep improving and building up on those games like tonight, and just try to repeat that."
The win moved Seattle to 7-28 with nine games left.
Storm Answer Chicago's Late Pushes
Chicago scored 33 points in the third quarter to get back into the game after Seattle's lead had reached 17. The Sky made another run in the fourth, scoring 12 of 16 points to make it 84-82.
Forty seconds later, Zia Cooke hit a 3-pointer to make it 87-82. Chicago did not get any closer.
Jordan Horston said she would need to watch the film before deciding what was different about Monday. On the floor, she felt Seattle was playing more freely.
"Honestly, I can't tell you right now. I have to go back and watch the game," Horston said. "But for me, it felt like we were just playing free. Like, I don't know, I can't even explain it. I just felt like it was more like we were like, okay, we're not about to go out.
"So I feel like we just all came together and like, listen, we're about to win this game today," Horston continued. "And I know we say that every game — we try to win every game, of course. But like, I don't know. Like, what do you think?"
Horston had 10 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 steals. She also said having Ezi Magbegor behind her allows Seattle's guards to send drivers toward the rim with help waiting there. Magbegor played 26 minutes in her second home appearance since returning and finished with 5 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists.
Storm coach Sonia Raman said she sensed the group's determination before the game, starting with what she heard in the locker room after the previous one and continuing through the next day's work and Monday's shootaround.
"Yeah, I felt that. I kind of felt that at the end of our last game, like listening to them in the locker room afterwards," Raman said. "And then their approach to the workouts that we had the next day, and then the shootaround we had this morning — like, yeah, I felt it. There was a determination there. And I just kind of felt like they were going to just take the moment and run with it. And especially at home."
Malonga Keeps Building
Malonga scored 26 points and grabbed 10 rebounds while making 9 of 14 shots. She also reached 300 career defensive rebounds, becoming the youngest player in WNBA history to get there. Malonga is 20. Lauren Jackson was 22 when she reached the mark.
Natisha Hiedeman had 18 points and 9 assists without a turnover. Cooke added 16 points off the bench.
Taylor Thierry was back in the rotation after not appearing in 11 straight games. Raman said before tip-off that Thierry would play, and she gave Seattle 7 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists in 21 minutes. Seattle was plus-16 with her on the floor.
The Storm scored 22 points resulting from 15 turnovers by Chicago, and they made 25 of 28 free throws. Seattle also collected 36 rebounds and dished out 22 assists.
Raman mentioned that transition defense, avoiding fouls, and finishing possessions are areas where Seattle needs improvement during the remaining games of the homestand. She also noted that the locker room has remained united despite the losses.
"Appreciate that. I think it's staying positive, focusing on like solutions and really trying to pour confidence into them and encourage them," Raman said. "But a lot of credit is on them, the way that they — like, they haven't wavered. They're the same locker room from day one that they are right now. And that's really incredible. And I'm really fortunate that I get to work with a locker room like that. It's not something I ever take for granted in the pros. It's not always easy.
"And with that group, their togetherness, their unselfishness, their commitment to the culture over whatever their individual needs are, it's really special," Raman continued. "So I think that that is what generates everything else. They're fun. They like to be around each other, and they've weathered a tough season, and they're still going out there and playing super hard and making these runs and finding whatever ways they can to impact winning."
Seattle played without Flau'jae Johnson because of a left ankle injury and Katie Lou Samuelson because of a right knee injury.
Portland visits Climate Pledge Arena on Friday at 7 p.m. PT.
