This season, the WNBA has witnessed a record number of French players making their mark. Starting with eight participants on May 17, the count has now risen to nine in this post-Olympic year. As recognized talents and rising stars take the court, fans can expect to see at least one French player almost every game. For those thinking the NBA season’s end meant a break, think again—follow the outstanding performances of our French athletes each week!
# Gabby Williams (Seattle Storm)
Gabby made a notable impact during the playoffs, contributing to the Storm’s impressive series against the Las Vegas Aces. Despite a remarkable Game 1 and a pivotal Game 2 victory—the Aces’ first loss in 17 games—a last-minute shot by Jackie Young ended Seattle’s hopes in Game 3. Gabby, who finished third in the Defensive Player of the Year voting, completed an exceptional All-Star season.
- Seattle Storm @ Las Vegas Aces: 16 points on 8/13 shooting, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal in 27 minutes
- Seattle Storm vs Las Vegas Aces: 6 points on 2/8 shooting, 2/2 free throws, 1 rebound, 2 assists, and 1 steal in 36 minutes
- Seattle Storm @ Las Vegas Aces: 7 points on 3/6 shooting, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals
Season stats: 11.6 points at 42.2% shooting, 30.5% from three, 85.3% free throw percentage, 4.3 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 2.3 steals, and 0.5 blocks in 31.6 minutes.
# Dominique Malonga (Seattle Storm)
Dominique played a crucial role in the Storm’s playoff series against the formidable Aces. Notably, she emerged as a star in Game 2, showcasing her potential as a key future player in the league.
- Seattle Storm @ Las Vegas Aces: 12 points on 4/11 shooting, 11 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, and 1 block in 24 minutes
- Seattle Storm vs Las Vegas Aces: 11 points on 4/7 shooting, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocks in 23 minutes
- Seattle Storm @ Las Vegas Aces: 3 points on 1/5 shooting, 5 rebounds, and 2 blocks in 22 minutes
Season stats: 7.7 points at 55.1% shooting, 22.2% from three, 56.9% free throw percentage, 4.6 rebounds, 0.9 assists, 0.4 steals, and 0.7 blocks in 14.3 minutes.
# Marine Johannes (New York Liberty)
Marine did not see playing time in the playoffs under Coach Brondello, which is disappointing given her previous performance at this level of competition. With EuroLeague approaching, expectations are high for a motivated and determined Marine.
- New York Liberty @ Phoenix Mercury: DNP
- New York Liberty vs Phoenix Mercury: 3 points on 0/3 shooting, 3/3 free throws, and 2 rebounds in 10 minutes
- New York Liberty @ Phoenix Mercury: DNP
Season stats: 6.4 points at 39.7% shooting, 34.4% from three, 84.2% free throw percentage, 1.9 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 0.6 steals, and 0.3 blocks in 18.3 minutes.
# Carla Leite (Golden State Valkyries)
Carla had already established a successful season prior to her first playoff appearance. Although she saw limited action against the Lynx, she has made a solid entrance into the WNBA and is expected to continue her growth in Zaragoza.
- Golden State Valkyries @ Minnesota Lynx: 4 points on 0/1 shooting and 4/4 free throws in 8 minutes
- Golden State Valkyries vs Minnesota Lynx: 0 points on 0/3 shooting, 2 rebounds, and 1 assist in 8 minutes
Season stats: 7.2 points at 38.7% shooting, 17.3% from three, 83.8% free throw percentage, 1.3 rebounds, 2 assists, 0.7 steals, and 0.1 blocks in 17.2 minutes.
# Janelle Salaün (Golden State Valkyries)
Janelle has emerged as one of the leaders of her team throughout the season, demonstrating her readiness for a bright future in the WNBA.
- Golden State Valkyries @ Minnesota Lynx: 13 points on 5/11 shooting, 6 rebounds, and 1 steal in 36 minutes
- Golden State Valkyries vs Minnesota Lynx: 14 points on 4/7 shooting, 4 rebounds, and 1 assist in 34 minutes
Season stats: 11.3 points at 40.6% shooting, 36.6% from three, 80.6% free throw percentage, 5.1 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.6 steals, and 0.1 blocks in 27 minutes.
# Iliana Rupert (Golden State Valkyries)
Iliana has proven to be vital for the Valkyries, successfully marking her second season in the WNBA. She has demonstrated versatility both inside and out.
- Golden State Valkyries @ Minnesota Lynx: 0 points on 0/2 shooting, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 block in 17 minutes
- Golden State Valkyries vs Minnesota Lynx: 8 points on 3/5 shooting, 2 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 block in 32 minutes
Season stats: 9.3 points at 43.8% shooting, 44.2% from three, 93.8% free throw percentage, 3.9 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 0.6 steals, and 0.6 blocks in 23.1 minutes.
# Bria Hartley (Connecticut Sun)
Season stats: 8.9 points at 36.2% shooting, 36.7% from three, 77.2% free throw percentage, 2 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 0.8 steals in 22.8 minutes.
# Leïla Lacan (Connecticut Sun)
Season stats: 10.4 points at 47.7% shooting, 22.4% from three, 85.7% free throw percentage, 2.4 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 2.2 steals, and 0.2 blocks in 26.6 minutes.
# Mamignan Touré (Connecticut Sun)
Season stats: 2 points at 35.9% shooting, 36.4% from three, 0.4 rebounds, 0.5 assists, and 0.4 steals in 8.2 minutes.
# Marieme Badiane (formerly with Minnesota Lynx)
Season stats: 0.3 rebounds and 0.7 steals in 3.7 minutes.
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