Instant Takeaways: Heroic Effort From Storm’s Johnson, Malonga Falls Flat vs. Aces

Flau’jae Johnson and Dominique Malonga combined for 54 points, but it was still far from enough in a 98-77 loss to the Las Vegas Aces on Sunday, Sept. 20, at Michelob Ultra Arena.

The Storm’s entire offense was dependent on Malonga and Johnson, with no other players scoring more than six points. Seattle (8-35) lost its fourth straight game and third since the FIBA break, with only one game left to play in the 2026 season.

Las Vegas (29-13) did what it has done all season, and the trio of A’ja Wilson, Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray combined to score 68 points. The Aces had more of a supporting cast and much stronger defense that continuously disrupted the majority of the Storm’s offense.