The Seattle Storm made a late-summer trade for guard Brittney Sykes to strengthen their playoff chances. So far, her influence has been felt in more ways than the stat sheet shows.
Rookie forward Dominique Malonga said Sykes has changed the team’s energy since arriving from Washington.
“First, she’s an All-Star and an amazing player, so she was a great addition to this team,” Malonga told RG. “She brings energy every time she steps on the court. She’s a big voice, an energizer, and she gives 100 percent of herself. She didn’t wait to learn every single play — she just came out, gave her all, and that helped us right away.”
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – AUGUST 28: Brittney Sykes #20 of the Seattle Storm celebrates a 93-79 win against the Minnesota Lynx after the game Target Ce…Â |Â David Berding/Getty Images/David Berding/Getty Images
Seattle traded longtime veteran Alysha Clark, guard Zia Cooke, and a 2026 first-round pick to acquire Sykes from the Mystics. After eight seasons without a title, Sykes had asked for a move to a contender.
“I just wanted an opportunity to compete for a championship and playoffs,” Sykes said when the deal was announced.
Storm coach Noelle Quinn said Sykes provided a dimension the roster needed.
“We’ve got somebody coming in here who can help us do that,” Quinn said. “We talk about sometimes Sky [Diggins] and Nneka getting a ton of attention. I think it’s good to have another playmaker on the floor who can create for herself and for others.”
Washington coach Sydney Johnson praised Seattle for the addition earlier this season.
“Seattle’s getting a hell of a player,” Johnson said. “They’re really good, but they just got a lot better.”
In 11 games with the Storm, Sykes has averaged 12.1 points, 3.5 assists, and 2.6 rebounds. A four-time All-Defensive Team selection, she continues to pressure opposing guards while adding another slasher and playmaker to the offense. Seattle has gone 6-5 in those games.
Malonga, the No. 2 overall pick, has averaged 13.9 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in her last 10 games. The rookie credited Sykes’s leadership and other veterans, including Nneka Ogwumike and Skylar Diggins, for helping her grow.
The Storm, with a 22-19 record and seventh in the WNBA standings entering Sunday’s action, remains in position to return to the postseason but faces a tight race with the regular season winding down.
For the Storm, Sykes’ experience and defensive presence may be what keeps them in the playoff picture. For Malonga, her new teammate has already made a difference in how the team plays and how she continues to grow.
