While many have found it difficult to adjust to the shorter, fast-paced format of Unrivaled, Breeze BC’s Dominique Malonga has had no such problems. The power forward has not just transitioned effectively but also done so with panache, overpowering teams with her athleticism. The Breeze is 2-0 this season with wins over the Phantom (69-62) and the Hive (73-62), and they have a special French talent to thank for it.

After the second game, Malonga became the first player in the league’s history to register consecutive double-doubles in her first two career games with 17 points and 14 rebounds against the Phantom BC and 15 points and 13 rebounds against the Hive BC.

Malonga’s consistency has put her in 7th place in the Unrivaled player rankings, just above teammate Rickea Jackson (9th), with an average of 16 points and 13.5 rebounds.

Dominique Malonga, a 6-foot-6 center, averaged 7.7 points and 4.6 rebounds last season. She was voted to the WNBA All-Rookie team, making her a sought-after player. Her ability to score from dunks makes her a rare component in women’s basketball. Malonga also holds the record for the first dunk by a French woman in a EuroCup game.

But her journey into Unrivaled wasn’t easy, as she had come under serious litigation earlier, which cast a question mark over her career prospects. Trouble began after the young player chose to end her contract with the Fenerbahce Opet women’s basketball team last October, after battling a prolonged wrist injury that kept her out of action for a long time.

This wasn’t well received by Fenerbahce, which chose to take legal action against her, arguing that she had breached the three-year contract without “just cause.”

Not choosing to entangle matters any further, Malonga severed her ties with the Turkish club. And her decision appears to be paying off now, as the Unrivaled format seems so much more tailor-made for her abilities to flourish.

What makes Dominique Malonga formidable in Unrivaled?

The fact that Dominique Malonga earned herself a starting spot right next to Paige Bueckers and Rickea Jackson, edging out Cameron Brink, clearly demonstrates the faith Breeze coach Noelle Quinn has in her. And passed her first major test with flying colors, even against a Phantom team featuring WNBA All-Stars Aliyah Boston and Kiki Iriafen.

Boston, in particular, was a tough matchup for her. She has more experience than Malonga and put her name into the All-WNBA conversations during the 2025 WNBA season. Yet the French youngster looked unfazed and answered the call, effectively delivering a memorable performance.

The undaunted Malonga would then go on to repeat the same against Monique Billings and Co., dictating the gameplay with ease. Malonga’s height, athleticism, and versatility make her a nightmare matchup in the full-court 3v3 setting. She can run the transitions, bring the ball forward, and is intimidating around the rim, especially in half-court offense. She puts her long arms to good use as well, but just needs to improve on her timing when making contact.

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So far, things are looking very promising for the youngster, as she is holding her own against some of the very best. Quinn is giving her plenty of time on the court (averaging 17.05 across two games), and she is putting it to good effect.

Next up on her path of destruction is Rose BC on January 11, which is also on a two-game winning streak: Lunar Owls (80-62) and Vinyl (69-67).