The 2021 WNBA All-Star Game format was much different this year than in year’s past as it saw a group of WNBA players as voted on by the fans and coaches go up against the Team USA Women’s Basketball team. In the end, Team WNBA would come out on top by the score of 93-85.
Dallas Wings star guard Arike Ogunbowale, one of seven players on Team WNBA making their All-Star debut, was named the MVP while finishing with a game-high 26 points connecting on five three-pointers.
This is the second consecutive WNBA All-Star Game in which a first timer was named the game’s MVP as Erica Wheeler won it in 2019 in her debut (no All-Star Game was held in 2020).
Jonquel Jones followed, posting a double-double with 18 points, 14 rebounds and four assists. In addition, Courtney Williams came off the bench for Team WNBA to score 15 points on 7-of-8 shooting from the field.
Brittney Griner led Team USA with 17 points on 8-of-10 shooting from the field followed by Breanna Stewart who recorded 15 points, six rebounds and three assists. Sylvia Fowles came off the bench to post 12 points, seven rebounds and two blocks.
The Team USA Women’s Basketball team will now shift their focus to preparing for the Olympics as they are looking to win their seventh consecutive Olympic gold medal.
They will play their first exhibition game on Friday when they go up against Australia followed by a game against Nigeria on Sunday. They will then go on to begin their preliminary group play in Tokyo on July 27 when they once again face Nigeria.