We all know the outcome of yesterday’s All-Star matchup between the USA squad and the WNBA All-Stars. I think we also knew that there was a good possibility of history repeating itself, which it did. Adding to that, we also know how the USA team was in the last Olympics.
Are there reasons to worry? Not at all. Given the fact that these athletes are coming off of a difficult first half of the season, with opponents now playing together, there is naturally an adjustment period, although the luxury of time is not there. Also, the USA team was playing against their colleagues, who took this game as seriously as they did.
In fact, this is a terrific format. If it were my decision, I would suggest that in other years, the All-Star team find a team outside of the United States to play—perhaps another national team or a Euroleague team. But since no one has asked me, that probably won’t happen.
A Record-Breaking Effort in Phoenix Needless to say, Arike Ogunbowale owned the second half of the game. Her decision not to be considered for the USA might seem like it was premature, but so be it. Rookies Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark also made an impact, with Reese scoring yet another double-double of 12 points and 11 rebounds, and Clark, while only scoring 4 points, led the game with 10 assists.
Breanna Stewart led the USA team with 31 points and 10 boards, while A’ja Wilson added 22 points and Diana Taurasi scored 14. People make too much of age; she still plays at a very high lev.