Valkyries open with a road W — Salaun 20, Malonga goes for 21/8 as youngest WNBA player to 200 career rebounds

Golden State went into Climate Pledge Arena and walked out 91-80 winners. Janelle Salaun scored a team-high 20 points and tied her career high with five 3-pointers. Veronica Burton added 16 to round out the Valkyries' attack, and Golden State shot 41% from three as a team while holding Seattle under 80.

The other story was the kid in green and yellow. Storm second-year center Dominique Malonga, all 6'6" and 19 years old, dropped 21 points and grabbed eight rebounds — and became the youngest player in WNBA history to hit 200 career rebounds. The 2025 No. 2 overall pick is on a different timeline. She was already one of the most-watched young bigs in the league after a strong rookie season; her opener tonight made it clear Year 2 is about to be a problem for everyone.

Storm fell to 0-1 despite Skylar Diggins' return and Malonga's milestone. Valkyries open the year 1-0. Year two of the W's most successful expansion franchise ever — Golden State sold out every home game last season and finished 8th in the standings — starts with a road win.