A’ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray, Jackie Young, and Kelsey Plum, members of the Aces team, participated in the 20th edition of the WNBA All-Star Game at Footprint Center. Unfortunately, Team USA lost to Team WNBA with a score of 117-109, marking their second defeat against the WNBA All-Star teams.
Breanna Stewart led Team USA with an impressive performance, scoring 31 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. A’ja Wilson also had a strong showing with 22 points and six rebounds, earning chants of “MVP” from the fans. Wilson currently leads the league in points, rebounds, and blocked shots. Chelsea Gray contributed five points and five assists, while Kelsey Plum added nine points and Jackie Young scored two points. Wilson and Gray started the game for Team USA.
Arike Ogunbowale from the Dallas Wings was named the All-Star MVP after scoring 34 points, all of them in the second half, and dishing out six assists for Team WNBA. Star rookies Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese made their All-Star debuts, drawing significant attention and contributing to the league’s growth.
Despite the loss, A’ja Wilson remained positive, emphasizing the need to adjust to different strategies and trust the process. Team USA is focused on their upcoming friendly against Germany in London as they prepare for the Olympics.
In the game, opposing coaches Cheryl Reeve and Cheryl Miller took the exhibition seriously, testing lineups and schemes for the upcoming challenges. Diana Taurasi of the Phoenix Mercury had a solid performance with 14 points and five assists, despite the loss. The postgame conversations among Team USA were described as “very positive” by Coach Reeve.
The All-Star MVP race saw Arike Ogunbowale shine in the second half, scoring 21 points and claiming the MVP title for the second time. The star rookie players, including Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, showcased their skills and competitiveness during the game, leaving a lasting impression.
Overall, the WNBA All-Star Game provided an exciting showcase of talent, with players like A’ja Wilson and Arike Ogunbowale delivering standout performances. As Team USA continues to prepare for the Olympics, they will use this experience to refine their strategies and work towards their goal of success in Tokyo.
