Indianapolis. What better place to host the WNBA All-star weekend this year, as the sport continues to soar behind the likes of sophomore star Caitlin Clark?
Her team of All-stars would take on one drafted by MVP favourite, Napheesa Collier, but before getting to all that, Friday night was just fine for some of the classic All-star festivities.
No dunk-contest. No problem. We still had the Skills Challenge and 3-Point Contest. Besides, if it wasn’t for Mac McClung in the NBA one, most judges would have packed up their 10s and gone home.
The downtown and dribbling showcases were dominated by the reigning champion of the New York Liberty. Sabrina Ionescu reclaimed her 2023 crown, beating last year’s winner Allisha Gray in the final round, like she almost did Stephen Curry in that special showcase at the NBA’s All-star weekend.
Ionescu’s 37 points in the final round and 11 straight makes were impressive. Just like her Van Gogh like canvas of range with the Starry balls. What was even more inspired, however, was when Sabrina declined to keep the entirety of her $62K winnings. Instead, sharing them with Washington Mystics rookie Sonia Citron, for the first-timers courage in the event.
Meanwhile, Sab’s teammate Natasha Cloud will take home $57,575 for winning the Skills Challenge…literally. On cloud nine, like her creative jersey, Natasha plans to use her winnings to buy a house.
Two beautiful stories that also show us how the W should pay the players that are bringing in so much revenue to the association.
They see the t-shirts. Now it’s time to up the ante on what is owed.
As for the game itself, marking Saturday’s showcase, it looked as good as the red and black jerseys and signature orange branded court. History was made with outright dominance on Caitlin’s court, as Team Collier recorded the most points scored in a WNBA ASG with their 151-131 blowout win.
Napheesa Collier also bested Arike Ogunbowale’s previous scoring record (34) with 36 points and nine rebounds to win the first of many trophies she will hold most valuable.
“MVPhee.”
This year, the W introduced the four-point shot for their All-star game, and Collier corralled many from way, way downtown. Allisha Gray also hit from the deepest reaches, rebounding from her 3-Point disappointed with 18 points.
Elsewhere, Los Angeles Sparks Kelsey Plum and former player Nneka Ogwumike (now a Seattle star) both had a sweet sixteen. Meanwhile, her Storm co-star, Skylar Diggins, became the first player to record a triple-double in a WNBA All-Star Game. Her stats of 11 points and rebounds also included 15 assists, surpassing Seattle Storm legend Sue Bird’s record.
Diggins, digging deep and rebounding from a previous disappointment herself, after coming last in the Skills Challenge.
More disappointing than Caitlin Clark missing her hometown All-star game after a groin injury was some of the shade she received post-game. This hate and soap opera drama is hurting more than just her (which is already bad enough), but the game itself as a whole. Just when it’s making strides behind players just like her.
Clark helped Liberty coach Sandy Brondello on the sidelines, as Kelsey Mitchell (20 points) led the way for her team. Sixteen also came from both defensive dog Brittney Sykes and Storm star Gabby Williams, who has been showing out ever since she earned a contract back to the WNBA. Following the Frenchwoman’s Gold Medal Game against Team USA in the Paris 2024 Olympics last year.
She earned her place. Just like everyone here.
Respect doesn’t bring the bacon home to the bills, mind you.
Pay them what they deserve.
