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In a highly anticipated matchup, Team WNBA emerged victorious over Team USA with a 117-109 win at the sold-out Footprint Center in Phoenix. The exhibition game, featuring the WNBA's brightest stars against the U.S. women's national team, lived up to its billing with intense competition and record-breaking performances.
Arike Ogunbowale stole the show, setting a new WNBA All-Star Game record with 34 points. After a scoreless first half, Ogunbowale exploded for 21 points in the third quarter alone, the most in a single quarter in All-Star Game history. Her remarkable turnaround came after a halftime pep talk from Team WNBA coach Cheryl Miller.
The victory marked a repeat of the 2021 All-Star Game, where Team WNBA also defeated Team USA. Ogunbowale's stellar performance earned her a second All-Star Game MVP award, joining an elite group of multiple-time winners including Lisa Leslie, Swin Cash, and Maya Moore.
Team USA, despite the loss, showcased their own firepower. Breanna Stewart led the Olympic squad with 31 points and 10 rebounds, becoming the first player to record a 30-point, 10-rebound game in WNBA All-Star history. A'ja Wilson contributed 22 points, while veteran Diana Taurasi added 14.
The game also highlighted the impact of the WNBA's impressive rookie class. Caitlin Clark, the top overall draft pick, dished out 10 assists, falling just shy of Sue Bird's All-Star Game record. Angel Reese made history as the first rookie to record a double-double in the All-Star Game, finishing with 12 points and 11 rebounds.
Team WNBA's balanced attack featured strong performances from Allisha Gray (16 points), Nneka Ogwumike (14 points), and Kelsey Mitchell (13 points). The All-Stars' depth and teamwork proved crucial in overcoming Team USA's star power.
The exhibition served as valuable preparation for Team USA ahead of the upcoming Olympics. Head coach Cheryl Reeve acknowledged the importance of facing adversity against such high-level competition, viewing it as a necessary step in the team's journey towards Olympic gold.
The game attracted a star-studded crowd, including celebrities and sports icons. The electric atmosphere and competitive spirit on display underscored the WNBA's growing popularity and the increasing parity between the league's top talent and the national team.
As the WNBA continues to evolve, with plans for expansion and a potential increase to a 44-game regular season in 2025, this All-Star showcase demonstrated the league's bright future and the wealth of talent across both rosters.
