> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.emeraldcityspectrum.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Storm Look to Build on Season-Best Performance vs. League-Leading Lynx - URL: https://www.emeraldcityspectrum.com/storm-look-to-build-on-season-best-performance-vs-league-leading-lynx/ - Published: 2025-05-27T20:24:36.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-08T06:20:11.000Z - Author: Connor Benintendi - Tags: Storm, Nneka Ogwumike, Dominique Malonga, Skylar Diggins, Ezi Magbegor, Noelle Quinn ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1d/f2/1df2f77b-83dd-4bc0-a6d2-6d1bb5df89a3/content/images/2026/10/53018043693_a70222d6bc_4k-format-original.jpg) Following three straight wins after a disastrous season opener, the Seattle Storm’s confidence is peaking. That confidence is warranted after [running the Las Vegas Aces out of Climate Pledge Arena](https://www.emeraldcityspectrum.com/home/instant-takeaways-storm-clobber-aces-spoil-jewell-loyds-return-to-seattle) on Sunday via a 20-point margin of victory. The Storm shot 60 percent from the field, 50 percent from 3-point range, outrebounded the Aces by nine, had 32 team assists and scored 21 points off of turnovers. It was by far the team’s most complete performance of the early season. “We wanted to string together four quarters, especially after the last game versus Phoenix,” veteran forward Nneka Ogwumike said after the win. “I think we did a better job of that today, and I feel good about where we are this early on, but we still have a lot of work to do.” Ogwumike and head coach Noelle Quinn said rebounding was the emphasis entering the game — even for the guards and wing players. The Storm had been outrebounded in all three contests before Sunday. That directive paid off. “We showed our potential; what we can do on both ends of the floor today,” Quinn said. Aside from two potentially top teams meeting early in the season, the game was notable due to Jewell Loyd’s first-ever return to Seattle after her departure this offseason. Loyd requested a trade — and was granted it — after filing a complaint against Quinn and the team’s coaching staff, triggering an external investigation into alleged harassment and bullying. The investigation found no violations. Quinn didn’t directly address the situation when asked about Loyd’s return to Climate Pledge Arena after a decade in Seattle. “The focus today was us,” Quinn said. “It was the Storm versus the Aces and we knew we were playing a very good team.” At first, it looked like Loyd was going to set her former home court ablaze, draining a trio of 3-pointers for Las Vegas’ first nine points. She finished the first quarter with 12\. Over the final three quarters, however, Loyd went 1-for-11 from the field, scoring 14 points in the game. She was neutralized offensively in a masterclass defensive performance by Seattle. The Storm got center Ezi Magbegor’s first double-digit scoring game of the season (12 points) after a slow start. Veteran guard Erica Wheeler erupted for 21 points (8 for 11 shooting), three rebounds and seven assists off the bench while starting point guard Skylar Diggins dealt with foul trouble. While Wheeler provided plenty of tangible contributions, it was also her energy that sparked and fueled Seattle throughout the game. “\[Wheeler\] brings the energy off the court, but I think you obviously were able to see that tonight. She leads, we follow,” Magbegor said. “So, offensively, she obviously had a great game, but that’s her every practice. She definitely stays aggressive when she gets downhill.” Rookie No. 2 overall pick Dominique Malonga saw her most extensive action in a single game this season, playing 12 minutes and logging eight points and five rebounds. Malonga had been waiting her turn to contribute, getting on the court for just 15 total minutes in the first three games. > DOM'S FIRST POINTS IN CPA 🔥 [pic.twitter.com/nqQBMCLnbl](https://t.co/nqQBMCLnbl?ref=emeraldcityspectrum.com)— Seattle Storm (@seattlestorm) [May 24, 2025](https://twitter.com/seattlestorm/status/1926104269909835881?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=emeraldcityspectrum.com) It remains unclear what her role will be moving forward, but Quinn seems to only want her on the court when there’s a favorable matchup. Against the Aces, that was against 6-foot-6 center Elizabeth Kitley when the Storm already had a large lead. Kitley ultimately was a spark for Las Vegas, providing 11 points, five rebounds, two steals and two blocks in his 16 minutes. “Dom is going to have to grow within games … without a lot of practice time. If I can find those moments for her, I will,” Quinn said. “She’s very smart. She picks up concepts, and she’s a capable defender and rim protector, but also you can kind of see what she can do in space.” Though her impact has been limited, Malonga continues earning both physical and mental praise from her experienced teammates. “You can tell that she soaks everything in, and she wants to go out and do the right thing,” Ogwumike said. “But I think she also wants to go out and have fun … I think every day is some level of improvement or some level of evolution, and you can tell that, at least I feel like, she’s watching us. So, the onus is on us to also do things the right way so she can be in a great position to succeed here.” The Storm are now heading into a Tuesday matchup with the WNBA’s hottest team, the Minnesota Lynx. Minnesota is averaging the second-most points in the league (87.3) and is currently the only team sitting at 4-0\. Seattle will be back on the road for the first time since May 19 and will be tasked with defending a red-hot Napheesa Collier, who is just a hair shy of averaging 30 points so far this season (29.5) on 56 percent shooting. The Storm have their own top weapons in Ogwumike and Diggins, making it a battle among some of the WNBA’s best. Tip-off between Seattle and Minnesota is set for 5 p.m. PT on Tuesday.