Storm's Malonga Makes History with All-Star Dunk
Dominique Malonga became the first WNBA player to dunk in an All-Star Game since 2022, energizing a record crowd of 19,783 fans in Chicago. The historic moment highlighted a milestone night as the league celebrated its 30th season with its highest-attended All-Star Game ever.
The United Center erupted when 6-foot-6 Seattle Storm center Dominique Malonga caught a pass from Angel Reese and threw down a powerful right-handed dunk midway through the second quarter. It was the first All-Star Game dunk in four years, joining an exclusive club of only five players who've accomplished the feat.
The 20-year-old rookie's historic slam highlighted Team Spoon's 129-122 victory over Team Coop on Saturday night. Reese jumped up and down in celebration, then exchanged a mid-air chest bump with Malonga as they headed back down court.
"The way she makes it look easy, the excitement around it," said teammate Paige Bueckers. "I love Dom. Really happy for her in just how easy she makes it look."
The dunk capped off a record-breaking night for the league. The 19,783 fans marked the highest attendance ever for a WNBA All-Star Game, more than doubling the crowd when Chicago last hosted in 2022.
Jonquel Jones earned MVP honors despite playing with a heavy heart after losing an aunt. The New York Liberty center had 22 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists, becoming the first player ever to win the league MVP, WNBA Finals MVP, Commissioner's Cup MVP, and All-Star MVP awards.
"No matter what mood I'm in, basketball can pick me back up," Jones said. "Just leaning into that."
Eight players scored in double figures for Team Spoon, led by Allisha Gray's 19 points and Caitlin Clark's 17. Nneka Ogwumike made her own history by passing Maya Moore for the most career All-Star Game points ever.
Why This Inspires
The night proved just how far women's basketball has come in three decades. A rookie phenom like Malonga can throw down a dunk that energizes nearly 20,000 fans while veterans like Jones continue rewriting the record books.
The crowd size alone tells the story. When Chicago hosted the All-Star Game four years ago, it took place in a smaller downtown arena with a fraction of the attendance.
"Our league is growing and people want to be around us and want to be a part of this and understand how special it is," Jones said.
The future of women's basketball has never looked brighter.
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Based on reporting by Google News - Sports
This story was written by BrightWire based on verified news reports.
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