Dominique Malonga Makes Historic Postseason Debut for Seattle Storm

Edward Blair II | Sep 16, 2025

Sep 14, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Seattle Storm center Dominique Malonga (14) shoots against Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) in the first quarter during game one of round one for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at Michelob Ultra Arena. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images / Candice Ward-Imagn Images

When the lights shine brightest, some players take time to settle in. Seattle Storm's Dominique Malonga wasted no time making her mark. In her first-ever postseason appearance, the 19-year-old rookie not only stepped onto the playoff stage but also etched her name into WNBA history.

Second-Youngest Playoff Debut in League History

Malonga’s entrance onto the postseason stage is remarkable on its own — at 19, she became the second-youngest player in WNBA history to appear in a playoff game. Few players at her age have carried the responsibility of postseason minutes, but Malonga’s poise, energy, and confidence showed that she belongs on this stage.

Her debut also underscored Seattle’s faith in its youth movement. The Storm, who have leaned on veterans like Nneka Ogwumike and Skylar Diggins throughout the season, handed Malonga significant minutes in Game 1. She rewarded that trust with both effort and results.

Tonight, Dominique Malonga will be the second-youngest player to make her postseason debut in WNBA history 🌩️ pic.twitter.com/DlwsY1UiWK

— Seattle Storm PR (@SeattleStormPR) September 14, 2025

A Rookie Record on the Glass

The stat that stands out from her night is one that reflects both skill and grit. Malonga grabbed three offensive rebounds, setting a new Storm rookie record for offensive boards in a postseason game.

For a franchise with a decorated history of playoff basketball, including multiple championships led by legends like Sue Bird and Breanna Stewart, Malonga’s ability to leave her mark in her very first game is a promising sign. Offensive rebounding is often about effort and anticipation, and Malonga showed both in abundance.

Dominique Malonga has set the Storm’s rookie record for postseason offensive rebounds with three so far tonight.

— Seattle Storm PR (@SeattleStormPR) September 15, 2025

Box Score Breakdown

Malonga’s full stat line speaks volumes:

12 points on 4-of-11 shooting

2-for-2 from three-point range

2-for-2 at the free-throw line

11 rebounds (4 offensive, 7 defensive)

1 assist, 2 steals, 1 block

0 turnovers in 24 minutes

Though her plus-minus registered at –10, the numbers highlight her ability to contribute across multiple facets of the game. She was the only Storm reserve to post a double-double and one of just two Seattle players to reach double figures in rebounds.

For comparison, veteran star Nneka Ogwumike finished with 11 points and eight boards in 27 minutes, while Gabby Williams poured in a team-high 16 points. Malonga’s production, particularly off the bench, matched that of established starters.

Sep 14, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Aces guard Dana Evans (11) looks to shoot against Seattle Storm center Dominique Malonga (14) at the end of the first quarter during game one of round one for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at Michelob Ultra Arena. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images / Candice Ward-Imagn Images

Beyond the Numbers

Statistics tell part of the story, but Malonga’s impact went beyond the box score. Her energy altered possessions, her ability to stretch the floor with perimeter shooting forced Las Vegas to adjust defensively, and her composure under playoff pressure suggested a maturity well beyond her age.

Rookies often struggle in their first postseason games, but Malonga looked unfazed. Instead of shrinking from the moment, she played with the same aggressiveness that defined her rookie campaign, making her presence felt in the paint and on the perimeter.

Sep 14, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Seattle Storm center Dominique Malonga (14) and teammates huddle before a foul shot against the Las Vegas Aces in the first quarter during game one of round one for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at Michelob Ultra Arena. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images / Candice Ward-Imagn Images

A Glimpse of the Future

The Seattle Storm are in the middle of a transition era. With Bird retired and Stewart now in New York, the team has turned to new leaders like Ogwumike and Diggins while integrating younger talent. Malonga’s breakout performance offers a glimpse of the next chapter in Storm basketball.

If Seattle is going to contend in this postseason and in the seasons ahead, contributions from its young core will be crucial. Malonga’s debut suggests that she is more than capable of carrying part of that load. For the franchise and its fans, seeing a 19-year-old rookie thrive under playoff pressure is a sign of both immediate and long-term promise.

Sep 9, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Storm center Dominique Malonga (14) smiles after defeating the Golden State Valkyries at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images / Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

The Takeaway

Seattle may have come up short in the series opener, but Dominique Malonga’s performance was a win in its own right. By setting a franchise rookie record, logging a double-double, and making history as one of the youngest players to debut in the postseason, she proved she can rise to the occasion.

For Storm fans, the message is clear: Dominique Malonga isn’t just a player to watch in the future; she’s already shaping the present.