Why it's trending
Malonga's dunk in the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game went viral, drawing comparisons to historic WNBA dunks and sparking discussion about her early arrival in the league. The highlight, combined with her rookie season and recent off-court appearances, has driven search interest.
Seattle Storm rookie Dominique Malonga made history at the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game at the United Center in Chicago, dunking with 6:24 left in the first half. The 6-foot-6 center, drafted No. 2 overall in 2025, became the ninth player to ever dunk in the WNBA and the sixth to do so in an All-Star Game, according to USA Today. The dunk came on an assist from teammate Angel Reese.
USA Today reported that the last player to dunk in an All-Star Game before Malonga was Sylvia Fowles in 2009, but the same article noted that Fowles also dunked in the 2022 All-Star Game, creating an inconsistency. The Seattle Times described Malonga as 'arriving sooner than expected,' suggesting her impact has come rapidly.
Malonga’s All-Star appearance and dunk highlight her immediate influence. She also made off-court appearances, including her first orange carpet in Chicago, as covered by People.com. Her early success follows a trend of highly touted rookies making immediate waves in the WNBA.
The dunk has sparked comparisons to past WNBA legends and raised questions about the league’s evolving athleticism. With Malonga’s early arrival, the Storm may have a franchise cornerstone for years to come.
Timeline
- Drafted by Seattle Storm
Dominique Malonga was selected No. 2 overall in the 2025 WNBA draft by the Seattle Storm, according to multiple sources.
- WNBA All-Star Game dunk
Malonga dunked during the All-Star Game at the United Center in Chicago, becoming the ninth player in WNBA history to dunk. The USA Today article reports the last such dunk before hers was by Sylvia Fowles in 2009, though it also notes Fowles dunked in 2022.
- Orange carpet appearance
Malonga attended her first orange carpet event in Chicago, as covered exclusively by People.com.
Questions people ask
Who is Dominique Malonga?
Dominique Malonga is a professional basketball player for the Seattle Storm, drafted No. 2 overall in the 2025 WNBA draft. She plays center and is known for her athleticism.
How many WNBA players have dunked?
According to USA Today, Malonga became the ninth player to dunk in WNBA history and the sixth to do so in an All-Star Game.
When did Malonga dunk in the All-Star Game?
She dunked on July 25, 2026, during the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game at the United Center in Chicago, with 6:24 left in the first half.
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