From Dormant to Dominant: The Rise of Dominique Malonga and the Seattle Storm’s Playoff Hopes

As the Seattle Storm navigate the challenging waters of the WNBA playoffs, the spotlight is shining brightly on rookie Dominique Malonga. At just 19 years old, Malonga has rapidly evolved from a benchwarmer to a pivotal player for the Storm, raising hopes for the team’s postseason success.

A Promising Start

Dominique Malonga, a towering 6-foot-6 forward, made headlines when she was drafted as the second overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft. The youngest player ever selected by the Storm, she arrived in Seattle after four seasons of professional basketball in Europe. Her agility and height have drawn comparisons to Victor Wembanyama, another French basketball sensation. After moving from Nanterre, France, to Seattle in May, Malonga showcased her potential by dunking during her first practice, prompting praise from teammates and coaches alike. Storm head coach Noelle Quinn remarked, “She’s a unicorn. One of one,” while teammate Gabby Williams confidently stated, “She’s going to be a star.”

Despite the early excitement, Malonga found herself primarily on the bench during the first half of the season. Over her first 18 games, she averaged a modest 4.4 points and 2.3 rebounds in just 9.1 minutes of play. Frustrated but determined, she emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive attitude. “Never have this negative faith or negative mood that can affect the team or the bench,” she said. Instead, she focused on learning from veterans like Nneka Ogwumike and Ezi Magbegor, striving to improve her game.

A Shift in Momentum

As the season progressed, Malonga’s performance began to take a turn. After the All-Star break, she emerged as a key contributor for the Storm, recording impressive statistics that included becoming the youngest player in league history to achieve multiple milestones. She reached 100 field goals, recorded a double-double, and scored her 300th point faster than any other player in WNBA history. Her contributions became vital as the Storm fought to secure a playoff position.

In the final stretch of the regular season, Malonga averaged 11.4 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game over 20 contests. Her shooting percentage of 57.6% ranked her among the top ten in the league, showcasing her offensive efficiency. Point guard Skylar Diggins expressed her admiration, stating, “I love playing with her. I’m glad to see her thrive.”

The Pressure of Playoffs

As the Storm entered the playoffs, the stakes were high. After a disappointing loss to the Las Vegas Aces in Game 1 of their best-of-three series, the team faced a must-win situation in their next game. Malonga’s performance would be crucial; she had scored 12 points and grabbed 11 rebounds in the first game, but she struggled against the Aces’ aggressive style of play. With the season hanging in the balance, the Storm needed Malonga to step up.

A Journey Worth Celebrating

Malonga’s journey to the WNBA has been marked by hard work and determination. Born to a family with deep basketball roots, her father Thalance played for the Republic of Congo’s national team, while her mother Agathe represented Cameroon. The family moved to France when Malonga was ten, allowing her to pursue her basketball dreams. Her early years were characterized by a strong emphasis on education and discipline, instilled by her parents.

At just 12 years old, she began playing basketball at a local club, quickly impressing coaches with her agility and skill. As she grew older, she faced the challenges of transitioning to professional play, initially spending considerable time on the bench. However, Malonga remained focused on her development, absorbing lessons from coaches and experienced players.

Her breakthrough came when she led France’s U17 team to a bronze medal at the world championship, followed by a silver medal at the 2024 Olympics. These experiences solidified her determination to succeed in the WNBA, where she is now making her mark.

A Bright Future Ahead

As the playoffs continue, Malonga’s growth as a player and her contributions to the Storm have made her a key figure in the team’s aspirations. Her combination of size, skill, and maturity has impressed both teammates and coaches. Nneka Ogwumike, a seasoned veteran, has taken on a mentorship role, guiding Malonga through the intricacies of professional basketball.

Malonga’s journey is far from over, and her commitment to hard work and improvement suggests that she will continue to evolve as a player. With the support of her teammates and the lessons learned from her experiences, she is poised to become a star in the WNBA for years to come.

Key Facts

– Dominique Malonga was drafted second overall by the Seattle Storm in 2025.
– She is the youngest player in WNBA history to achieve multiple milestones, including 100 field goals and a double-double.
– Malonga averaged 11.4 points and 6.7 rebounds after the All-Star break.
– The Storm’s playoff hopes heavily rely on Malonga’s performance against the Las Vegas Aces.
– Malonga’s background includes a family history in basketball, with her parents representing their countries on the international stage.

Source: www.espn.com