The 2024 WNBA All-Star Game delivered an exhilarating spectacle as Team WNBA once again bested the USA Women’s Basketball Team, securing a 117-109 victory. Mirroring the 2021 All-Star Game in Las Vegas, the match featured incredible individual performances and historic achievements, with Arike Ogunbowale emerging as the star of the night.
Arike Ogunbowale etched her name in the record books with a stunning 34-point performance, the highest in WNBA All-Star Game history. After being held scoreless in the first half, Ogunbowale’s explosive third quarter was pivotal for Team WNBA. Scoring 21 points in just 10 minutes, she shot 6-for-10 from the field, including 5 of 7 three-pointers and 4 of 5 free throws. Her remarkable performance earned her the MVP title once again, as she led Team WNBA to victory.
The weekend was filled with record-breaking feats, beginning with Allisha Gray’s unprecedented double win in both the skills challenge and the 3-point contest on Friday night. Gray’s triumphs set the tone for a memorable All-Star weekend. On Saturday, alongside Ogunbowale’s heroics, Breanna Stewart became the first player to achieve 30 points and 10 rebounds in an All-Star Game, and Angel Reese made history as the first rookie to record a double-double in the event, finishing with 12 points and 11 rebounds.
Despite their rookie status, Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese made significant contributions to Team USA. Clark, while having a quiet scoring night with just 4 points, dished out 10 assists, setting a rookie record and coming close to Sue Bird’s all-time mark. Reese’s double-double performance underscored her potential, with a standout moment being her connection with Clark for a layup and subsequent high-five, hinting at a promising future for USA Basketball.
Team USA coach Cheryl Reeve expressed concerns about her team’s defensive performance, highlighting the 52 points allowed in the paint and a lack of collective effort. While acknowledging Ogunbowale’s exceptional play, Reeve emphasized the need for improved defense as they prepare for the Olympics in Paris. The backcourt’s inefficiency was another area of concern, with key players like Chelsea Gray and Jewell Loyd struggling to make an impact.
As the All-Star weekend concludes, Team USA’s focus shifts entirely to their Olympic commitments. With the All-Star Game’s distractions behind them, the team aims to regroup and strengthen their defense ahead of Tuesday’s exhibition match against Germany in London. Stars like Breanna Stewart and A’ja Wilson are eager to lead the charge as the USA Women’s Basketball Team works toward securing an eighth consecutive Olympic gold medal.
The 2024 WNBA All-Star Game not only showcased individual brilliance but also highlighted areas for growth for the USA Women’s Basketball Team. As fans celebrate the thrilling performances and historic achievements, the focus now turns to the upcoming international competitions, where Team USA aims to continue its legacy of excellence on the global stage.
