By Michael Hapanovich Posted on

Storm’s woes continue as they enter second double-digit losing streak of the season

The Seattle Storm’s struggles continued in Wednesday 92-86 loss to the New York Liberty. It was the tenth straight loss for the Storm, who sit dead last in the WNBA. Despite the loss, there were some bright spots. Dominque Malonga put on another show, leading all scorers with 31 points and 10 rebounds for her 12th double-double of the season.  Jade Malonga became the youngest player ever to record 400 rebounds, and the All-Star’s historic performance also tied her for the fourth most 30+ games in franchise history.

Seattle’s former superstar Breanna Stewart led with Liberty with 28 points and eight rebounds. Jonquel Jones chipped in with 14 points and 15 rebounds for her 11th double-double of the year.

Playing from behind still an issue

A brutal first quarter in Monday’s loss put Seattle (6-27) behind early, but rookie guard Flau’jae Johnson immediately set the tone on Wednesday after getting a steal and score to open up the scoring. However, New York’s feisty offense quickly jumped ahead after a three-pointer and follow-up basket by Rebecca Allen. Ezi Magbegor’s turnaround jumper cut the Storm’s deficit to just one point. However, the Liberty answered with a 12-0 run to take a commanding 17-4 lead with 5:11 remaining in the opening frame. The quarter ended with the home side leading 27-16. Allen led all scorers with 10 points, while Jade Melbourne scored six for Seattle.

Stirring up a Storm

After trading baskets throughout the first four minutes of the second quarter the Storm narrowed the deficit to just five points after an 8-0 run in which Malonga scored six of the eight points. It was Natisha Hideman’s pull-up jumper that t the Storm withintriking distance -29 with 4:57 left in the quarter. The Liberty steadied their nerve on Han Xu’s three-pointer with 1:23 remaining in the half, extending their lead to 11.  Sensing a need for scoring and leadership, Malonga rose to the occasion and erased the double-digit deficit in the final minute with a running layup and three pointer which saw the Storm enter the haltime break trailing 47-43. Malonga set a career high for points in a quarter with 15 points which led both team.

Can’t jump ahead

The Storm picked up right where they left off, opening the third quarter on a 7-3 run. Melbourne’s three-point play with 7:22 remaining tied the game at 50, marking the first lead change since 9:38 in the opening quarter. Just like the second quarter , the Liberty showed their veteran savy and re-took the lead on Jonquel Jones layup . A three point play star point guard Sabrina Ionescu pushed finished the 5-0 run by the Libery. Ionescu igninted the Liberty’ offense which extended their lead to 10 point at 65-55 lead with 3:33 remaining.

Like clockwork, the Storm reamined steadfast .. Malonga, Jordan Horston and Zia Cooke scored to pull the Storm within four points entering the final quarter. The Storm took an injury hit when Katie Lou Samuelson sustained a right knee injury while attempting to grab a rebound with just under two minutes remaining in the period. The third quarter ended with the Libery leading 69-65.

Trouble down the stretch

A three point play and a three pointer by Jones’ opened the fourth quarter and pushed the homesides lead to double didgits at 75-65. The teams traded baskets down the stretch with Seattle unable to threaten the down the stretch. The Storm never got closer that six points as the Liberty won thier second consecutie game over the Storm and third overall. For the Storm it was there 10th consecutive loss. Despite the loss Storm had coach Sonia Raman found some positives.

“I love Dom’s aggressiveness on offense,” coach Sonia Raman said. “She was just elite tonight. Really great to see that. I think she found lots of different solutions on the court to be able to get her 20 shot attempts and the 14 makes. Hitting from three and would have loved to have seen her get some calls and get to the free-throw line a little bit more.”

GAME NOTES

The Storm will look to bounce back on Saturday, when they take on the Portland Fire in the final of their five-game road trip.

 Tipoff is set for 5:30 p.m. PT and will be broadcast nationally on NBATV, locally on KOMO and CW Seattle and available to stream on Prime for users in Washington state.

KEY STATS OF THE GAME

  • Seattle’s 79 field goal attempts tied a season high, and the team shot 45.6% (36-for-79) from the field.
  • Seattle outscored New York 52-50 in points in the paint and 11-10 in second chance points, and the Storm grabbed five more offensive boards than the Liberty (13-8).
  • The Storm’s bench outscored the Liberty’s reserves 22-12.

STORM HIGHLIGHTS

  • Dominique Malonga recorded a double-double with 31 points and 10 rebounds, while shooting 14-for-20 (70.0%) from the field, tying her career high for field goals made. She became the youngest in WNBA history to record 300 career field goals.
  • Jade Melbourne tallied 13 points and a team-high seven assists.
  • Awa Fam added 13 points off the bench, shooting 3-for-6 (50%) from the three-point line. She also grabbed five rebounds and dished out three assists.

LIBERTY HIGHLIGHTS

  • Breanna Stewart finished with 28 points, and Sabrina Ionescu added 15.

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