Dominique Malonga’s Unrivaled season has been defined by growth, an eye-grabbing dunk, and an immediate on-court connection with Paige Bueckers, which she cherishes.

For Malonga, sharing the floor with Bueckers at Breeze BC has not only helped her numbers but also her understanding of the professional game.

Reflecting on their on-court partnership and Buckets' skills, Malonga said, "It’s been amazing. She’s a great playmaker, she sees the floor very well. I just have to be ready anytime because I know with her, I can get that ball all the time."

Describing herself as "a bit of a space player," Malonga underlined how smoothly Bueckers’ playmaking complements her style. "So it's actually really great to have a basketball player that can see the ball at the time. It was so natural from day 1 to have that connection," she added in the post-game interview after she scored her first dunk in Unrivaled.

However, it isn't just Malonga who holds her partnership with Bueckers in high regard. PB5 also feels similarly about her bonding with the Breeze No. 14.

Paige Bueckers has been equally vocal in praising Dominique Malonga

Bueckers has been on a rampage in the current season of Unrivaled, racking up multiple Player of the Game titles. She scored 24 points with 5 rebounds and 6 assists in the first match of the season to get her side past Phantom 69-62.

However, Bueckers still shared the credit for the victory with her team, while appreciating Malonga's maturity in the game. "It's hard to believe she's just 19. I think her best attribute is her passing...she's a student of the game," said the reigning WNBA ROTY.

She went further, comparing herself to Malonga, saying that at 19 she "just showed up to the gym," while Malonga was "already way ahead."

After Malonga dunked with Rickea Jackson's assist in the game against the Lunar Owls, Bueckers not only celebrated her on the court, but also went on to share Instagram stories featuring Malonga's proud moment.

With Breeze set to take on Laces next, do you think the Bueckers-Malonga partnership will fetch them another victory?

Written by

Fatema Kapasi

Edited by

Souvik Roy