French Week in the WNBA: Dominique Malonga is emerging as an essential force.

On May 17, eight French players kicked off the WNBA season, and today they number nine—a record in this post-Olympic year. These athletes include both established stars and emerging talents, providing a nightly showcase of French basketball excellence. Contrary to the belief that the conclusion of the NBA season signals a break, the excitement continues. For a recap of our French players’ performances in the world’s top league, stay tuned every Sunday! This week, Dominique Malonga is finding her rhythm and increasing her playing time, while young records continue to be broken.

# Gabby Williams (Seattle Storm)

Unfortunately, the Seattle Storm is facing a challenging stretch, and Gabby Williams is part of it. The team has incurred three consecutive defeats, totaling five losses in a row—all occurring in critical moments of the game. Williams is struggling to find her rhythm, which is evident in her shooting performance. She needs to regain her form quickly; otherwise, the playoffs could slip away from Seattle’s grasp.

• Seattle Storm vs Minnesota Lynx: 9 points on 3/9 shooting, including 1/3 from three-point range, 2/2 at the free-throw line, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists in 33 minutes
• Seattle Storm @ Las Vegas Aces: 14 points on 4/10 shooting, including 1/4 from three, 5/5 at the free-throw line, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists in 37 minutes
• Seattle Storm @ Los Angeles Sparks: 5 points on 2/5 shooting, including 1/3 from three, 0/2 at the free-throw line, 2 rebounds, and 3 assists in 25 minutes

Gabby Williams’ stats this season in the WNBA: 12.5 points on 43.8% shooting, including 31.3% from three, 87.9% at the free-throw line, 4.6 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 2.5 steals, and 0.4 blocks in 32.6 minutes

# Dominique Malonga (Seattle Storm)

A silver lining in Seattle’s woes, Dominique Malonga is steadily rising in stature as the season unfolds. With two consecutive double-doubles to her name, she has become the youngest player in WNBA history to achieve back-to-back games with 20 points or more. What lies ahead for her? Could a starting position be in the cards?

• Seattle Storm vs Minnesota Lynx: 12 points on 6/8 shooting, including 0/0 from three, 0/0 at the free-throw line, 3 rebounds, and 0 assists in 17 minutes
• Seattle Storm @ Las Vegas Aces: 22 points on 8/11 shooting, including 0/0 from three, 6/7 at the free-throw line, 12 rebounds, and 0 assists in 25 minutes
• Seattle Storm @ Los Angeles Sparks: 20 points on 9/12 shooting, including 1/1 from three, 1/2 at the free-throw line, 11 rebounds, and 1 assist in 30 minutes

Dominique Malonga’s stats this season in the WNBA: 6.5 points on 53.9% shooting, including 18.2% from three, 70% at the free-throw line, 4.2 rebounds, 0.7 assists, 0.4 blocks, and 0.3 steals in 12.1 minutes

# Marine Johannes (New York Liberty)

Marine Johannes had a statistically noteworthy week with two games scoring 10 points, bringing smiles to fans. Unfortunately, the Liberty fell short of a perfect week with a loss to the Lynx. Nevertheless, when Johannes performs, all of France rejoices.

• New York Liberty vs Dallas Wings: 2 points on 1/4 shooting, including 0/2 from three, 0/0 at the free-throw line, 2 rebounds, and 3 assists in 18 minutes
• New York Liberty @ Dallas Wings: 10 points on 3/8 shooting, including 1/5 from three, 3/3 at the free-throw line, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists in 23 minutes
• New York Liberty vs Minnesota Lynx: 10 points on 3/8 shooting, including 3/7 from three, 1/2 at the free-throw line, 1 rebound, and 0 assists in 17 minutes

Marine Johannes’ stats this season in the WNBA: 6.8 points on 42.8% shooting, including 36.3% from three, 81.3% at the free-throw line, 2 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.7 steals, and 0.2 blocks in 18.7 minutes

# Bria Hartley (Connecticut Sun)

There is little to criticize about Bria Hartley, despite the Sun’s three losses this week. Her contributions were solid, even if lacking standout performances. Ultimately, she delivered good work as a starter.

• Connecticut Sun @ Phoenix Mercury: 7 points on 3/8 shooting, including 1/3 from three, 0/0 at the free-throw line, 1 rebound, and 4 assists in 21 minutes
• Connecticut Sun @ Los Angeles Sparks: 16 points on 6/13 shooting, including 4/8 from three, 0/0 at the free-throw line, 1 rebound, and 3 assists in 26 minutes
• Connecticut Sun @ Las Vegas Aces: 9 points on 3/6 shooting, including 3/3 from three, 0/0 at the free-throw line, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists in 29 minutes

Bria Hartley’s stats this season in the WNBA: 9.7 points on 36.4% shooting, including 39.1% from three, 81.1% at the free-throw line, 2 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 0.8 steals in 23.1 minutes

# Leïla Lacan (Connecticut Sun)

Leïla Lacan enjoyed a strong individual week, scoring over 10 points in three games. Despite some shooting struggles from long range, she excelled in playmaking and defense, contributing positively in many areas.

• Connecticut Sun @ Phoenix Mercury: 10 points on 4/9 shooting, including 0/2 from three, 2/2 at the free-throw line, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists in 22 minutes
• Connecticut Sun @ Los Angeles Sparks: 10 points on 5/9 shooting, including 0/1 from three, 0/0 at the free-throw line, 2 rebounds, and 7 assists in 26 minutes
• Connecticut Sun @ Las Vegas Aces: 13 points on 6/12 shooting, including 1/6 from three, 0/0 at the free-throw line, 0 rebounds, and 5 assists in 25 minutes

Leïla Lacan’s stats this season in the WNBA: 9.3 points on 48.5% shooting, including 20% from three, 94.1% at the free-throw line, 2.5 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 2.3 steals, and 0.1 blocks in 23.5 minutes

# Mamignan Touré (Connecticut Sun)

At last! Mamignan Touré has scored her first points in the WNBA. Her notable performance against the Sparks indicated progress, even as her role remains limited. A week like this can work wonders for her confidence!

• Connecticut Sun @ Phoenix Mercury: 2 points on 1/3 shooting, including 0/2 from three, 0/0 at the free-throw line, 1 rebound, and 1 assist in 7 minutes
• Connecticut Sun @ Los Angeles Sparks: 6 points on 2/3 shooting, including 2/2 from three, 0/0 at the free-throw line, 0 rebounds, and 1 assist in 9 minutes
• Connecticut Sun @ Las Vegas Aces: 0 points on 0/0 shooting, including 0/0 from three, 0/0 at the free-throw line, 0 rebounds, and 0 assists in 2 minutes

Mamignan Touré’s stats this season in the WNBA: 1.1 points on 30% shooting, including 33% from three, 0% at the free-throw line, 0.1 rebounds, 0.3 assists, 0.6 steals, and 0 blocks in 5.9 minutes

# Carla Leite (Golden State Valkyries)

The Valkyries had a quiet week with only two games, but Carla Leite made the most of her scoring opportunities, despite ongoing shooting struggles. The league should be wary of the day she finds her groove.

• Golden State Valkyries vs Las Vegas Aces: 11 points on 4/12 shooting, including 0/4 from three, 3/3 at the free-throw line, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists in 24 minutes
• Golden State Valkyries vs Los Angeles Sparks: 9 points on 3/7 shooting, including 1/1 from three, 1/1 at the free-throw line, 3 rebounds, and 1 assist in 15 minutes

Carla Leite’s stats this season in the WNBA: 7.7 points on 38.3% shooting, including 15.3% from three, 86.7% at the free-throw line, 1.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 0.7 steals, and 0.1 blocks in 17.6 minutes

# Janelle Salaün (Golden State Valkyries)

Janelle Salaün has effectively fulfilled her role as a starter, surpassing her offensive averages in two games. She was particularly instrumental in her team’s victory over the Sparks, who had been on a winning streak. Exciting times ahead!

• Golden State Valkyries vs Las Vegas Aces: 13 points on 4/11 shooting, including 0/3 from three, 5/5 at the free-throw line, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists in 30 minutes
• Golden State Valkyries vs Los Angeles Sparks: 11 points on 4/9 shooting, including 3/8 from three, 1/1 at the free-throw line, 8 rebounds, and 1 assist in 32 minutes

Janelle Salaün’s stats this season in the WNBA: 10.1 points on 37.5% shooting, including 30.9% from three, 81.1% at the free-throw line, 4.8 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 0.6 steals, and 0.1 blocks in 25 minutes

# Iliana Rupert (Golden State Valkyries)

It was a challenging week for Iliana Rupert, experiencing a dip in performance since joining the WNBA this season. With her minutes significantly reduced in both games—particularly against A’ja Wilson and Azura Stevens—there’s no need to panic; full confidence remains in her ability to bounce back quickly!

• Golden State Valkyries vs Las Vegas Aces: 2 points on 1/2 shooting, including 0/1 from three, 0/0 at the free-throw line, 1 rebound, and 0 assists in 12 minutes
• Golden State Valkyries vs Los Angeles Sparks: 4 points on 1/6 shooting, including 1/6 from three, 1/2 at the free-throw line, 1 rebound, and 2 assists in 13 minutes

Iliana Rupert’s stats this season in the WNBA: 8.8 points on 43.4% shooting, including 44.4% from three, 88.9% at the free-throw line, 3.9 rebounds, 1 assist, 0.6 steals, and 0.1 blocks in 19.9 minutes

# Marieme Badiane (cut by Minnesota Lynx)

Marieme Badiane’s stats this season in the WNBA: 0.3 rebounds and 0.7 steals in 3.7 minutes