Erica Wheeler’s court vision on full display with Storm rookies
By Christan Braswell, edited by Charles Hamaker
Seattle, WA - Storm guard Erica Wheeler and rookie talent Dominique Malonga forged a formidable bond before the start of the 2025 WNBA season, and with just 16 games played, it’s proving to be a valued asset on the court.
In the 112 minutes Wheeler and Malonga have spent on the court together, the ten-year veteran has collected eleven assists on buckets scored by Malonga, which leads the team. Per PBP Stats, eight scores came at the rim and three were in the short midrange. Several of the French star’s shots displaying her jaw-dropping agility when rising over her defender for jumpers were orchestrated by Wheeler.
Erica Wheeler and Dominique Malonga receiving instruction from Seattle Storm assistant coach Ebony Hoffman during a timeout against the Minnesota Lynx at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, WA on Wednesday, June 11th, 2025. (Photo by Liz Wolter for Circling Seattle Sports)
“E [Erica] and Dom [Dominique] got a lot of reps in training camp,” said Storm coach Noelle Quinn after beating the Connecticut Sun. “So, those connections are from the chemistry that’s been built since camp. E is a great passer. She’s able to be a playmaker and read ball screens. I know she wants Dom to dunk a couple of those thrown at the rim because she can do it, and we’ve seen it in practice.”
“It’s a great connection that has been in practice and in training camp. It’s good. Those two play a lot of minutes together, and they’re going to continue to play a lot of minutes together.”
The connection goes past the assist numbers. Wheeler coaches Malonga up regularly and helps her navigate traffic, which sounds like a simple task until the speed of live action hits you. On Friday nights win against the Sun, this was the case when they shared the floor.
Seattle Storm players Erica Wheeler and Dominique Malonga locked in on the ball handled by Minnesota Lynx star Kayla McBride at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, WA on Wednesday, June 11th, 2025. (Photo by Liz Wolter for Circling Seattle Sports)
In addition to aiding Malonga’s development as she continues to blossom in her role, Wheeler assisted on rookie forward Mackenzie Holmes’ first field goal in the WNBA.
Holmes set a pick for Wheeler on the right side. Eyeing an empty paint and Wheeler looking to pass, Holmes made a timely cut, where Wheeler found her with a bounce pass.
“That’s just a point guard feeling out their big and finding the sweet spot for the big, so shoutout to Mack [Mackenzie] for getting her first WNBA points. I think that’s special. We had a really good team effort from everyone.”
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