September 16, 2025 – It’s game day in Seattle, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. The Seattle Storm are set to host the red-hot Las Vegas Aces tonight in Game 2 of the first round of the WNBA Playoffs. With elimination looming, the Storm must win to force a decisive Game 3 in Las Vegas on Thursday.
The challenge? The Aces are riding an incredible 17-game winning streak, including their last three victories by at least 25 points. That dominant run includes Sunday’s 102–77 rout over Seattle in Game 1.
But don’t count the Storm out just yet.
Seattle will look to its veteran core—guard Skylar Diggins and forwards Gabby Williams and Nneka Ogwumike—to rally the team and keep their championship hopes alive. A strong performance on their home court at Climate Pledge Arena could be the turning point in the best-of-three series.
Storm rookie makes history!
Despite the loss, Game 1 was a historic night for the franchise. Rookie sensation Dominique Malonga, just 19 years old, became the second-youngest player in WNBA history to appear in a playoff game.
Drafted second overall in 2025, the 6’6” center from Lyon, France has been gaining momentum and confidence throughout the season—and it showed on Sunday.
Malonga has delivered this season with such highlights as: 2-for-2 from three-point range and 2-for-2 at the free-throw line. Her presence in the paint, especially with 4 offensive and 7 defensive rebounds, showed glimpses of the star she’s quickly becoming.
Storm head coach Noelle Quinn has called Malonga a “unicorn”. While the rookie has occasionally struggled to match the pace of veteran players, her quiet demeanor belies a fierce competitive spirit that shines through in clutch moments.
She might be the calm in the Storm, but when she breaks through, magic happens.
Tip-off is at 6:30 PM PST at Climate Pledge Arena. Fans can catch the action live on ESPN or stream it on demand via the WNBA League Pass.
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*Cover Photo by Caroline Anne
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