Dominique Malonga joined an elite tier of women’s basketball history when she became just the fifth player to record a dunk in a WNBA All-Star Game context, according to official league records. The milestone places the 6-foot-6 center alongside some of the most dominant figures the sport has ever seen.
Malonga’s Historic Dunk Puts Her in Rare Company
During the showcase event, Malonga threw down a transition slam that immediately drew comparisons to legendary predecessors. According to WNBA historical archives, only four other players had accomplished the feat before her: Lisa Leslie, Jonquel Jones, Brittney Griner, and Sylvia Fowles. Leslie famously recorded the first-ever dunk in regular WNBA All-Star Game history back in 2002, setting a precedent that stood alone for more than a decade before Griner joined her on the list in 2015.
Jones and Fowles subsequently added their names to the exclusive club with dunks during exhibition play. By securing her own slam, Malonga bridges the gap between the league’s pioneering generation of post players and its rising international stars. According to game recaps, the sequence unfolded in the open floor, allowing Malonga to utilize her full stride and length to finish cleanly at the rim.
Comparing the Elite List of All-Star Dunkers
The progression of All-Star Game dunks highlights the changing style and physical ascension of the women’s game over more than two decades. Lisa Leslie remains the only player to achieve the feat during a regulation regular-season WNBA game, but the All-Star showcase has provided a stage for exhibition slams.
| Player | Achievement | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Lisa Leslie | First WNBA dunk (Regular Season & All-Star) | 2002 WNBA All-Star Game / Regular Season |
| Brittney Griner | Second All-Star dunk | 2015 WNBA All-Star Game |
| Jonquel Jones | Third All-Star dunk | WNBA All-Star Exhibition Play |
| Sylvia Fowles | Fourth All-Star dunk | WNBA All-Star Exhibition Play |
| Dominique Malonga | Fifth All-Star dunk | Recent WNBA All-Star Showcase |
Why This Milestone Matters for the Future of the Game
The rarity of the play underscores the extraordinary athleticism required in the frontcourt. According to league analysts, dunks remain exceptional moments in women’s professional basketball, drawing immense fan engagement and media attention whenever they occur on the floor. Malonga’s inclusion in this group signals her growing stature on the global basketball landscape and highlights the expanding physical profile of modern prospects entering the professional ranks.
As the league continues its expansion and developmental pathways yield increasingly versatile athletes, milestones like Malonga’s serve as benchmarks for the sport’s athletic evolution. Observers note that such highlights routinely capture mainstream sports media attention, driving broader viewership toward women’s basketball events.
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