Tempestade Talk PODCAST: Why Dominique Malonga MUST Start for Seattle Storm 🌩️
- Erica L. Ayala
- 4 days ago
- 5 min read
Why isn’t Dominique Malonga starting for the Seattle Storm? 🌩️
With her standout stats and undeniable impact, it's time to rethink the lineup. In this episode, we break down why Malonga is the key to unlocking the Storm’s potential in the postseason. From her defensive prowess to her ability to energize the team, Dominique is proving she’s ready for a bigger role.
Roberta F. Rodrigues and yours truly, Erica L. Ayala, discuss this and more on the latest episode of the Tempestade Talk: You Local Eye on the Seattle Storm.
The Tempestade Talk hosts also tackle the Storm’s season struggles, Noelle Quinn’s coaching style, and where the team can improve to stay playoff-ready. Can the Storm turn it around and make a real push for the championship? Or will missed opportunities hold them back?
Join the discussion and share your thoughts! Let’s talk all things Seattle Storm, Dominique Malonga, and what it takes to win in the WNBA. 🏀🔥
CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Welcome to Tempest Talk
01:18 - Storm’s Recent Struggles
05:45 - Missing the Upside in Performance
07:11 - Addressing Audio Issues
08:30 - Team's Confidence Wavering
11:34 - Noel Quinn’s Coaching Passiveness
18:00 - First Domino to Fall in Team Dynamics
19:56 - Identifying What the Team is Missing
23:15 - Upcoming Schedule Analysis
29:50 - Best Version of the Seattle Storm
38:53 - Caitlin Clark’s Impact on the WNBA
44:17 - Noelle Quinn's Time Running Out
46:50 - Exploring the Upside of the Seattle Storm
50:10 - Who Should Get a Statue Next?
51:10 - Final Thoughts and Reflections
The Seattle Storm's WNBA season has been a rollercoaster of emotions for fans and players alike. With moments of brilliance overshadowed by gut-wrenching losses, questions arise about the team's consistency and future.
Is this a squad that can genuinely compete in the postseason, or are they missing the mark?
Let’s dive into the highs, lows, and what must change for the Storm to reclaim its dominance.
The Struggles: Consistency Is Key
Dramatic swings in performance have marked the Storm’s season. One week, they’re delivering impressive wins against top-tier teams like Washington and Dallas; the next, they’re suffering a 20-point loss to an undermanned Indiana Fever.
As co-host Roberta F. Rodriguez aptly put it, “Consistency is the name of the game, and that’s where the Storm are falling short.”
Criticism of the coaching and team management has been a recurring theme. Are the players being utilized effectively? Is the roster built for success?
These questions loom large, especially with a team that boasts incredible talent like Nneka Ogwumike, Skylar Diggins, and Gabby Williams.
Dominique Malonga: The Untapped Potential 🌟
One of the most puzzling aspects of the Storm’s season is the underutilization of Dominique Malonga, the team’s No. 2 overall draft pick.
Since the All-Star break, Malonga has been averaging 11.9 points per game, shooting 55.9% from the field, and grabbing 7.3 rebounds per game. Yet, she’s not in the starting lineup.
Why?
Head coach Noelle Quinn has cited Malonga’s youth and the need for acclimation as reasons for her limited minutes. However, I'm not buying it!
“If you have the No. 2 pick, you play the No. 2 pick,” I said last night and multiple times throughout the season. Malonga’s performance metrics already make a strong case for her to start, and her ability to defend, attack, and energize the team could be the spark the Storm desperately needs.
Malonga’s ability to disrupt the opposing offense is a game-changer.
Her chemistry with players like Ezi Magbegor and Skylar Diggins offers untapped potential.
Starting Malonga could also ease the load on veterans like Ogwumike, extending their effectiveness.
The reluctance to make bold moves, such as starting Malonga, highlights a broader critique of Quinn’s coaching style. While her patience has its merits, the WNBA doesn’t afford teams the luxury of time.
Aggressive decisions need to be made—now.
Is Noelle Quinn on the Hot Seat?
Noelle Quinn’s conservative coaching approach has drawn scrutiny. Despite being a respected figure within the organization, her hesitance to make critical adjustments is costing the team. “Heavy is the head that wears the crown,” as I noted. The head coach is ultimately responsible for the team’s performance, and Quinn’s decisions—or lack thereof—are under a microscope.
From not starting Malonga to questionable in-game adjustments, Quinn’s strategies are being questioned by fans and analysts alike. While her tenure with the Storm has been long and respected, the shifting dynamics of the league demand adaptability and boldness. Is she the right leader for a team aiming to win now?
What Does Success Look Like for the Seattle Storm?
With the playoffs looming, the Storm find themselves clinging to the eighth and final playoff spot. The team’s potential is undeniable, but unlocking it requires immediate action. Success this season would mean not just making the playoffs but advancing past the first round—a tall order given their current form.
For the Storm to succeed, several things need to happen, according to Roberta F. Rodrigues:
Start Dominique Malonga: Her stats and impact on the court are too significant to ignore.
Fix Rebounding Issues: Currently last in the league for rebounds, the team must prioritize boxing out and hustle plays.
Leverage Veteran Leadership: Players like Ogwumike and Diggins need to set the tone for aggression and consistency.
Ultimately, the Storm needs to embrace a win-now mentality.
Looking Ahead
The next few games will be crucial for the Storm. Matchups against Minnesota and Los Angeles could determine whether they hold onto their playoff spot or fall short of it. With the Sparks hot on their heels in the standings, every game matters.
Fans and analysts alike are watching closely. Can the Storm make the necessary adjustments? Will Malonga finally get her chance to shine? And most importantly, can this team deliver on the promise of its talent?
Conclusion: Time for Bold Moves
The Seattle Storm have all the pieces to be a competitive team, but time is running out to put them together. Starting with Dominique Malonga, addressing rebounding issues, and embracing an aggressive gameplay style are non-negotiable if the Storm wants to make a real playoff push.
What do you think?
Should Dominique Malonga start for the Storm?
Is Noelle Quinn’s coaching style holding the team back?
Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation. Together, let’s cheer on the Storm and hope they can weather this season’s challenges! 🌩️
EDITOR'S NOTE:
Although A.I. was used to summarize original and referenced content in this post, the final draft was edited and published by Black Rosie Media staff.