Kevin Durant Teaches Mid‑Range Shot to WNBA Star Dominique Malonga
Kevin Durant stepped onto the Los Angeles court on 12 Jul 2026 and demonstrated his mid‑range jumper to Seattle Storm forward Dominique Malonga, giving the 20‑year‑old a new weapon as the Storm chase a 2027 championship push.
Durant, the two‑time NBA MVP now with the Houston Rockets, met Malonga during the Storm’s visit to the Lakers’ arena for a game against the Las Vegas Sparks. In a brief, unscripted session, Durant walked the young star through the footwork and release that have kept him an elite scorer for over a decade. He emphasized balance, a soft touch, and the timing needed to hit the 15‑foot spot consistently. The workout lasted roughly 20 minutes, but the impact was immediate-Malonga left with a handful of drills to practice daily.
Malonga, an All‑Star rookie celebrated for her ferocious finishes at the rim, has struggled to score beyond the paint. The Sporting News notes she is “a non‑factor offensively” outside ten feet. Adding a reliable mid‑range jumper could force defenses to respect her on the perimeter, opening lanes for her powerful drives. With a 6‑foot‑6 frame, a versatile scoring arsenal would make her a nightmare for opponents and could accelerate Seattle’s rebuild, which hinges on a core of Malonga, Awa Fam, and Flau’jae Johnson.
Durant’s own career illustrates the value of a polished mid‑range game. Even after the NBA’s three‑point explosion, his ability to score from 12‑15 feet kept him lethal in clutch moments. By teaching Malonga the same fundamentals, he gave her a template that blends the old‑school craft with modern athleticism. Coaches in Seattle have already incorporated the drills into practice, hoping the skill set will appear in the next few games.
The Storm are sitting near the bottom of the WNBA standings this season, but the front office believes the 2027 window is theirs. If Malonga can add a 40‑percent mid‑range clip to her existing 55‑percent rim conversion, she could become a dual‑threat that forces opponents to stretch their defense. Durant’s cameo may be a small piece, yet it signals a growing trend of NBA stars influencing the women’s game, potentially raising the overall level of competition.
Seattle’s next home game on 20 Jul 2026 against the Connecticut Sun will be the first test of Malonga’s new skill set. Broadcasts will feature a split‑screen analysis comparing her pre‑workout shooting percentages with post‑session numbers. Fans eager to see Durant’s influence will also get a glimpse of how cross‑league mentorship can reshape a franchise’s trajectory.