Seattle Storm rookie Dominique Malonga played at an extremely high level against the Dallas Wings on Friday night.

Dallas, which is already eliminated from the playoffs, has had a difficult 2025, but Bueckers’ historic rookie year is bringing attention like never before.

Rookie Dominique Malonga had 22 points and nine rebounds, Erica Wheeler added 17 points and the Seattle Storm routed the Dallas Wings 95-60 on Friday night.

Dallas Wings forward Maddy Siegrist has established herself as a core foundational piece for the organization as they go through a rebuild. Siegrist was the No.3 overall pick in the 2023 WNBA Draft and has dealt with an anterolateral tibial plateau fracture in her right knee that kept her out of the lineup for nearly two months this season.

The No. 1 draft pick was already named an All-Star this season, and she just tied the WNBA’s rookie record with 44 points in Wednesday’s buzzer-beating loss in Los Angeles.

The Dream have made three WNBA Finals appearances (2010, 2011, 2013) and have yet to win a Finals game. The Sun also have had trouble in the Finals, reaching them four times (2004, 2005, 2019, 2022) but have yet to win a title.

Wings rookie Aziaha James has displayed potential, but how can she earn more consistent playing time moving forward?

Lobo’s remark reinforced a growing sentiment across the league that the award is no longer up for debate. While Washington Mystics ’ Sonia Citron had been mounting a strong challenge with steady play, Bueckers’ breakout performance shifted momentum heavily in her favor.