Storm’s Dominique Malonga makes WNBA history in loss to Liberty appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Seattle Storm center Dominique Malonga is on a fast ascent to the top level of the WNBA. Malonga is enjoying a coming-out party in her sophomore season, which earned her a spot in the All-Star Game for the first time.
Advertisement
Many were dumbfounded when the Storm picked her with the No. 2 pick in last year’s draft. After all, she was a largely unknown teenager from France. She, however, quickly proved that she belonged in the WNBA.
Seattle fell short to the New York Liberty, 92-86, at Barclays Center on Wednesday. But it was not for the lack of trying, especially by Malonga. She finished with a game-high 31 points on top of 10 rebounds, three assists, and two steals. She shot 14-of-20 from the field.
Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)
According to ESPN, the 20-year-old center became the youngest player in league history to score 30 points and shoot 70% from the floor in a game.
Advertisement
Malonga was unfazed despite being matched up against two former MVPs in Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones. The Liberty threatened to pull away early, but Malonga did not allow it, scoring 15 points in the second quarter.
Seattle kept it close in the fourth quarter. Malonga cut the lead to six points, 88-82, with 50.4 seconds left with a short stab. New York, however, managed to hold on for the victory.
It has been a nightmarish campaign for the Storm, who suffered their 10th straight loss and dropped to a league-worst 6-27. But if there is any positive to glean from their frustrating season, it is the steady play of Malonga, who is averaging team-highs of 16.9 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks.
With her, Flau’jae Johnson, and Awa Fam leading the way, the youth movement in Seattle looks bright.
