Nneka Ogwumike's stellar performance, with 23 points and 18 rebounds, propelled the Seattle Storm to their first victory of the 2025 WNBA season. They defeated the Dallas Wings 79-71 on Monday. Skylar Diggins contributed significantly with 21 points and nine assists, while Gabby Williams added 17 points. This win was a comeback after their previous loss to the Phoenix Mercury.
In an exciting matchup, the top two draft picks faced off: Paige Bueckers from Dallas and Dominque Malonga from Seattle. Bueckers led her team with 19 points and eight assists. Meanwhile, Malonga, at just 19 years old, played only one minute but managed to score two points. The Wings also saw contributions from NaLyssa Smith and Maddy Siegrist, each scoring 12 points.

The Storm had an impressive start, shooting 9 of 11 from beyond the arc in the first half. This helped them secure a strong lead of 56-41 by halftime. However, their shooting cooled off in the third quarter, allowing Dallas to close in on their lead. The Wings went on an 11-0 run, with Siegrist hitting two crucial three-pointers, narrowing the gap to just three points by the end of the third quarter.
Seattle regained control in the final quarter. Ogwumike and Ezi Magbegor each scored twice during an 8-0 run that extended their lead to 74-63 with four minutes remaining. This decisive stretch ensured Seattle's victory despite Dallas's efforts to rally back into contention.
The game showcased strategic plays from both teams. Seattle's early dominance from three-point range set a strong foundation for their win. Despite a brief lapse in scoring during the third quarter, they maintained composure and executed well in crucial moments of the fourth quarter.
Dallas demonstrated resilience by closing the gap significantly after halftime. Their ability to capitalise on Seattle's cold streak showed potential for future games. However, they couldn't sustain this momentum against Seattle's late-game surge led by Ogwumike and Magbegor.
This victory marks an important step for Seattle as they aim to build momentum early in the season. With standout performances from key players like Ogwumike and Diggins, they have set a promising tone for upcoming matches. Meanwhile, Dallas will look to refine their strategies as they continue their campaign.