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."

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,

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