June 25, 2026, Seattle, Washington, USA: Seattle Storm guard FLAUJAE JOHNSON 4 and center DOMINIQUE MALONGA 14 speak at the post-game press conference, PK, Pressekonferenz following the WNBA, Basketball Damen, USA match between the Seattle Storm and New York Liberty at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle. Seattle USA - ZUMAd218 20260625_zsp_d218_036 Copyright: xRichardxDizonx
June 25, 2026, Seattle, Washington, USA: Seattle Storm guard FLAUJAE JOHNSON 4 and center DOMINIQUE MALONGA 14 speak at the post-game press conference, PK, Pressekonferenz following the WNBA, Basketball Damen, USA match between the Seattle Storm and New York Liberty at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle. Seattle USA - ZUMAd218 20260625_zsp_d218_036 Copyright: xRichardxDizonx
There is a force rising in Seattle. The trio of Dominique Malonga, Awa Fam and Flau’jae Johnson is building a foundation for a championship future, and for the French star, they are tied together with just one aim: win, win, and win.
The Seattle Storm has the worst record in the WNBA this season so far. They have a 6-23 record and have lost their last six games. However, Malonga believes there is a winning story in the future for the trio with how their chemistry has clicked in the 2026 season.
"We want to win at the end of the day, so that's really easy when you work with people who share the same mindset with you, and just want to go the same way as you," Malonga told ESPN on Thursday.
July 4, 2026, Seattle, Washington, USA: Seattle Storm center DOMINIQUE MALONGA 14 shoots a field goal over Portland Fire forward EMILY ENGSTLER 21 in the fourth quarter of the WNBA, Basketball Damen, USA match between the Seattle Storm and Portland Fire at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle. Seattle USA - ZUMAd218 20260704_zsp_d218_015 Copyright: xRichardxDizonx
July 4, 2026, Seattle, Washington, USA: Seattle Storm center DOMINIQUE MALONGA 14 shoots a field goal over Portland Fire forward EMILY ENGSTLER 21 in the fourth quarter of the WNBA, Basketball Damen, USA match between the Seattle Storm and Portland Fire at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle. Seattle USA - ZUMAd218 20260704_zsp_d218_015 Copyright: xRichardxDizonx
Malonga's physical edge, Johnson's energy, and Fam's smooth and veteran touch to her game all bring something to the floor. Their games complement each other.
Malonga is in her second year, while Johnson and Fam are rookies on their team. However, their defensive energy and elite scoring give hope to the Storm.
Johnson is averaging 13.7 points, 5.3 assists, 3.0 rebounds and a team-high 1.3 steals per game. Fam provides another defensive presence in the paint and a scoring option. She averages 11.1 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.0 blocks.
Malonga is averaging 16.3 points, 8.5 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game. The Seattle center is quickly rising, and she is leading the pack.
Flau’jae Johnson showers big praise on Dominique Malonga's calm presence
Malonga, Johnson and Fam appeared on the latest cover of SLAM magazine. In the interview with the magazine on July 21, Johnson showered big praise on Malonga.
"Dom is a real pro. She comes in every day ready. She doesn’t get startled at all," Johnson said about her French teammate. "She’s really poised. I feel like they mellow me out a little bit because I’m always on ten."
Malonga is leading her team in points, rebounds and blocks. If she can remain healthy and injury-free, she could look to become the next top WNBA Center in line after A'ja Wilson. But she needs time.
Johnson added that given enough time to gel together and learn from each other, the Storm can do something special.
Do you believe this trio can pilot a turnaround for the Seattle Storm in the next few years? Let us know in the comments.
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Written by
Nandjee Ranjan
Edited by
Yash Kotak