In a game that crackled with playoff intensity, the Seattle Storm secured a thrilling 88-82 victory over the Connecticut Sun on Sunday, but the postgame spotlight belonged to rookie sensation Flau’jae Johnson, who was ejected late in the fourth quarter after a heated altercation.
The No. 3 overall pick out of LSU delivered a dazzling performance before her exit, finishing with 19 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists in just 28 minutes. Johnson’s electrifying play, including a pair of highlight-reel step-back threes and a coast-to-coast layup that brought the crowd to its feet, helped Seattle overcome a sluggish start and build a double-digit lead midway through the third.
However, with 1:47 remaining and the Storm leading by six, Johnson was whistled for her second technical foul after exchanging words with Connecticut’s Alyssa Thomas following a hard foul under the basket. Referees quickly issued the ejection, sending the rookie to the locker room as boos rained down from a sold-out Climate Pledge Arena crowd. Johnson clapped her hands emphatically on her way out, visibly frustrated but composed enough to high-five teammates on the bench.
Head coach Noelle Quinn defended her young star afterward. “Flau’jae is a competitor,” Quinn said. “She plays with fire, and that’s what we love about her. Tonight she showed why she’s going to be a cornerstone for this franchise. We’ll talk about the techs, but she’s learning on the fly.”
The Sun, led by 22 points from Thomas and strong bench play from DiJonai Carrington, mounted a late comeback attempt but fell short as Seattle’s veteran core—Jewell Loyd (21 points) and Nneka Ogwumike (14 points, 9 rebounds)—closed out the game with clutch free throws and defensive stops.
Johnson’s ejection marks her second this young season, highlighting both her passion and the growing pains of transitioning to the WNBA’s physicality. Despite the early exit, her impact was undeniable. The Storm improved to 4-2, while Connecticut dropped to 3-3.
Fans and analysts alike are buzzing about the rookie’s star power. “She’s got that dog in her,” one Storm assistant said. “We’re excited to keep channeling it the right way.”
As the WNBA season heats up, Flau’jae Johnson is already proving she belongs among the league’s brightest talents—ejections and all.