> ## 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. # Instant Takeaways: Storm Snap 11-Game Skid, Upset Liberty - URL: https://www.emeraldcityspectrum.com/storm-snap-11-game-skid-upset-liberty/ - Published: 2026-06-26T05:11:48.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-08T06:14:21.000Z - Author: Connor Benintendi - Tags: Game Day, Analysis, Storm, Flau'jae Johnson, Dominique Malonga, Jade Melbourne, Awa Fam, Natisha Hiedeman, Sonia Raman \[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="7008"\] ![ The Seattle Storm celebrate snapping a month-long losing streak after defeating the New York Liberty 99-88 on Thursday, June 25, at Climate Pledge Arena. Credit: Courtesy of Seattle Storm ](https://storage.ghost.io/c/1d/f2/1df2f77b-83dd-4bc0-a6d2-6d1bb5df89a3/content/images/2026/10/20260622_vs-new-york_post_fs-3-format-original.jpg) The Seattle Storm celebrate snapping a month-long losing streak after defeating the New York Liberty 99-88 on Thursday, June 25, at Climate Pledge Arena. Credit: Courtesy of Seattle Storm \[/caption\] Rookie No. 8 overall pick Flau’jae Johnson erupted for a career-high 28 points, and the Seattle Storm upset the New York Liberty 99-88 on Thursday, June 25, at Climate Pledge Arena. The win for Seattle (4-15) snapped an 11-game losing streak that dated back to May 24\. There was tangible growth as the skid continued, but this was the first time the Storm put all those factors together to earn a win against a quality opponent. New York (12-7) has now lost three of its last four games after winning eight in a row from May 27 to June 18\. Jonquel Jones led the Liberty with 26 points, eight rebounds, one steal and one block. All five Storm starters scored in double figures, and Dominique Malonga posted another double-double with 20 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and a block. Here’s what we learned from the first Storm win in more than a month. ### **Perfect out of the gate** The Storm played without fouling in the first quarter and shot 57% from the field. That led to a solid 28-point start in the opening period, led by Malonga with nine points (4-4 FG, 1-1 3FG). It was exactly the start the Storm wanted offensively, but the defensive side was more of a struggle. New York also was shooting 50% from the field, and Leonie Fiebich hit two triples in the first 10 minutes. In the second quarter, it was much slower going for both teams. The defenses tightened up, temporarily halting production on both sides. Then Johnson arrived for the Storm. The rookie guard poured in 10 points in the second quarter alone, helping Seattle build up a first-half lead that peaked at 11. Despite shooting just 4 of 14 from 3-point range in the first half, the Storm scored 30 points in the paint in the opening two periods alone — the most Seattle has scored in that area in a half this season. The Storm seemed to be finally putting all the pieces together from their last few close losses against good teams, and they led the Liberty 48-40 at halftime. ### **Closing it out** It was nearly two minutes into the second half when Johnson scored the first point of the third quarter. The Liberty controlled much of the third quarter until the Storm mounted a 7-0 run that once again gave them a double-digit lead. Johnson set a new career-high of 18 points in just three quarters, with 10 more minutes to add to it. Jade Melbourne also kicked into gear and surpassed her season average in scoring with 18 points (season average 8.4 points). As much of a team effort as it was, this was Johnson’s clear-cut breakout game. She kept adding to her total in the fourth quarter and was the Storm’s second-best rebounder. The Storm had an answer for everything the Liberty threw at them — bucket for bucket. Whereas Seattle has lost itself and been bogged down by consecutive mistakes in the past, they shrugged off every small hiccup and dominated the Liberty in almost every phase. Awa Fam totaled 15 points, six rebounds, two assists and a block. Natisha Hiedeman had a slower day offensively with 11 points, three assists and two steals. ### **Keys to victory** The formula was a simple one, but it was one that the Storm have rarely achieved this season. They made seven more shots (39), shot 7% higher from the field (52%), outrebounded the Liberty by 11 (39) and scored 12 more points in the paint (54). Before the narrow overtime loss to the Dallas Wings on Monday, the Storm had lost the rebound battle in their previous 11 games. They had only won that battle twice the entire season. However, the Storm have now controlled that area in two straight games, and it’s directly translating to the team being more competitive. This was by far the biggest margin of the season in favor of Seattle, as five players logged four or more boards. This trend, along with not allowing their opponent to get an early lead via free throws, will help the Storm immensely if it continues. Then, of course, having their young stars shoot the basketball well will be another boost. ### **Raman riding tighter rotation** With Jordan Horston out of the lineup and head coach Sonia Raman finally putting more trust in her starters, all but Melbourne logged at least 30 minutes on the court. This is a much different trend from early in the season, where it seemed Raman wanted to keep fresher legs in the game instead of the Storm’s top talents. Horston has been by far the Storm’s worst starter this season, and the last two games have been two of Seattle’s best of the season. That’s not a knock on Horston, but it is an indicator she should maybe head to the bench once she’s healthy instead of being inserted into the starting lineup. This current group is showing more promise offensively — the main area Horston has struggled with. Ride with what’s working, and keep the rotation tight. ### **Up Next** The Storm have a chance to win two in a row on their home court when they conclude a three-game homestand against the Atlanta Dream (12-5) at 6 p.m. PST on Saturday, June 27.