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Key Stats from Seattle Storm vs Golden State Valkyries Preseason Clash

The new look Seattle Storm fell to the Golden State Valkyries in both squads’ preseason openers. Storm rookie Flaujea Johnson scored 12 points and tied Zia Cooke for the team high in scoring. The 8th overall pick in this year’s draft was initially drafted by the Valkyrie, who was subsequently traded her to the Storm.

“Hit some shots, talking to the crowd, that was fun,” Johnson said. “Just being able to play my first, getting a little touch of the pro game, especially with my teammates, we’ve been playing each other and playing with guys so it felt good to play a different opponent.” Johnson received a warm ovation during warmup.

FAST START

Seattle started off with a strong first quarter, led by guard Jade Melbourne, who racked up seven points in seven minutes of play on 75% (3-for-4) shooting from the field. A quick two buckets in the beginning of the second frame gave the Storm its first lead of the game, 22-21. 

Seattle outscored Golden State 24-12 in the second quarter and finished the first half shooting 45.5% from beyond the arc. The Valkyries battled back in the third quarter, but the Storm held to enter the final frame with a two-point lead. Seattle and Golden State went back and forth in the fourth quarter with the Storm shooting 11 free throws in 10 minutes before the Valkyries took the 78-76 win. 

KEY STATS OF THE GAME 

  • The Storm outscored the Valkyries 15-5 in second chance points, and Seattle’s 12 offensive rebounds are the most in a Storm preseason game since 2009.  
  • Seattle banked 27 points off 20 Golden State turnovers. 
  • The Storm shot 26 free throws, the most in a Storm preseason game since 2016. 
  • This head-to-head matchup included 16 lead changes and 10 ties. 

STORM HIGHLIGHTS 

  • Zia Cooke finished with 12 points, six of which she notched in the third quarter. She added three assists and two rebounds alongside 100% (6-for-6) shooting from the line. 
  • Flau’jae Johnson was the first Storm player to reach double digits, finishing with 12 points and four rebounds. She shot 50% from the field and notched 10 of her 12 points during the second quarter. 
  • Dominique Malonga grabbed a team-high five rebounds alongside 10 points. Her first basket of the game marked the first Storm points in 2026. 
  • Lexie Brown finished with nine points and three rebounds as she hit 50% from the field, including 67% from behind the arc. 
  • Jade Melbourne added nine points and two assists alongside 67% shooting from the field. 

VALKYRIES HIGHLIGHTS 

  • Veronica Burton and Miela Sowah led Golden State with 14 points each; Burton shot 57% from the field and Sowah went 100% (4-for-4) from beyond the arc. 

UP NEXT: The Storm return home for its second and final preseason game on Wednesday, April 29 against the Portland Fire. Tipoff is at 7 p.m. and is broadcast locally on The CW Seattle. 

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