Chicago, IL – The latest Storm vs Sky encounter on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at Chicago’s Wintrust Arena, was a display of sheer dominance from the Seattle Storm. What was anticipated to be a hard-fought WNBA clash quickly turned into a one-sided affair, with the Storm delivering a crushing 95-57 defeat to a Chicago Sky squad hampered by key injuries. This emphatic victory not only bolstered Seattle’s impressive 15-10 record, solidifying their position in the league’s top four, but also sent a clear message about their championship aspirations.
From the very first whistle, the Storm showcased a level of collective synergy and sharp execution that the short-handed Sky simply couldn’t contend with. The absence of pivotal Chicago players, notably the dynamic Angel Reese, sidelined with back tightness, and the consistent scoring threat of Ariel Atkins, created a significant void that the Sky struggled to fill throughout the contest.
Leading the charge for Seattle was the ever-brilliant Skylar Diggins. With her characteristic blend of agility and precise shooting, Diggins effortlessly carved through the Sky’s defense, orchestrating the Storm’s offense with veteran savvy. Her game-high 21 points were a testament to Seattle’s well-executed offensive strategy, which saw them convert an impressive 53.6% of their field goal attempts.
However, the spotlight wasn’t solely on Diggins. Rookie sensation Dominique Malonga also stole headlines, achieving a significant milestone by recording her first career double-double with a remarkable 14 points and 10 rebounds. The second overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, Malonga’s rapid development has been a captivating story, and her performance against the Sky further underscored her immense potential as a future cornerstone for the Storm. Her milestone moment, becoming the youngest player in WNBA history to reach 100 career points, arrived in the second quarter, highlighting her immediate impact and burgeoning talent.
The Storm established an early rhythm, concluding the first quarter with a comfortable 26-18 lead. While the second quarter saw a slight dip in Seattle’s scoring pace, they maintained firm control, heading into halftime with a 39-26 advantage. Yet, it was in the second half that the Storm truly unleashed their offensive prowess, erupting for a staggering 56 points. The third quarter proved particularly punishing for Chicago, as Seattle ignited an 8-0 run to commence the half, extending their lead to an insurmountable margin. By the close of the third, the Storm had built a commanding 70-43 lead, effectively putting the game beyond the Sky’s reach.
Despite valiant efforts from Kamilla Cardoso, who contributed a double-double of her own with 13 points and 13 rebounds, and Rachel Banham, who also chipped in with 13 points, Chicago simply couldn’t find a consistent offensive flow. The Sky’s struggles were evident in their dismal 33.9% shooting from the field and a costly 19 turnovers, which Seattle capitalized on for 26 easy points. The void left by their injured stars clearly impacted their ability to generate consistent offense and execute defensive stops.
Beyond the individual brilliance, Seattle’s balanced attack was a crucial element in their dominant showing. Six Storm players reached double figures, including Erica Wheeler with 13 points, Lexie Brown with 12, and both Gabby Williams and Nneka Ogwumike adding 10 points apiece. This remarkable offensive depth, combined with a suffocating defense that forced turnovers and severely limited Chicago’s shooting opportunities, painted a clear picture of a team that is progressively hitting its peak performance.
This resounding Storm vs Sky victory not only boosts Seattle’s confidence but also sends a clear and emphatic message to the rest of the WNBA. With two more regular-season matchups against the Sky scheduled for August 20th in Chicago and August 31st in Seattle, the unfolding narrative between these two teams is far from over. However, for now, the Seattle Storm stands tall, having delivered a performance that will undoubtedly resonate throughout the league. The Chicago Sky, now at a challenging 7-17 record, faces the immediate task of regrouping, eagerly awaiting the return of their key players to salvage their season. The WNBA landscape has undeniably become much more intriguing after this decisive encounter.
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