Dominique Malonga’s Late-Season Surge Powers Seattle Storm

Rookie sensation Dominique Malonga is making a name for herself in teh WNBA. The French forward, drafted No. 2 overall in the 2025 WNBA draft, delivered a clutch performance this past Sunday, helping the Seattle Storm secure a narrow 84-82 victory over their opponent in Washington. Malonga stuffed the stat sheet with 17 points, 10 rebounds, adn 3 steals, showcasing the all-around game that made her a top prospect.

after a slow start to the season, where she primarily saw action off the bench, Malonga has emerged as a key contributor for the Storm as the season winds down. Her increased playing time and confidence have translated into consistent production, making her a valuable asset on both ends of the court. This trajectory mirrors that of many rookies who need time to adjust to the speed and physicality of the WNBA, similar to how a quarterback might need a year or two to learn an NFL offense.

While Malonga’s performance was crucial, veteran Nneka ogwumike ultimately sealed the win for Seattle with a game-winning shot in the final seconds. Facing intense defensive pressure, Ogwumike delivered when it mattered most, highlighting her experience and composure in crunch time.

Coach Quinn Praises Team’s Resilience

storm coach Nelle quinn emphasized the team’s ability to execute under pressure.
We have often been faced with this kind of moments recently, sometimes without dead time or by undergoing opposing action. This time, we were able to give the ball to our best player with time on the clock, and she made the difference. This rewards all the rehearsals accumulated in these ends of tight matches.
Quinn’s comments underscore the importance of preparation and trust in key players during critical moments, a beliefs echoed by successful coaches across all sports.

Malonga’s strong play extends beyond Sunday’s game.On Saturday, she matched her WNBA career-high with 22 points in a dominant 95-60 victory over the Dallas Wings, further solidifying her impact on the team’s success. This consistent scoring output demonstrates her growing confidence and ability to contribute offensively.