The WNBA All-Star game was this past Saturday; Team Wilson beat Team Delle Donne 129-126 in a tightly close battle. Team Wilson had 14 point halftime lead, Team Della Donne fought back and made it an entering game. Nneka Ogwumike led Team Della Donne in scoring with 22 points, but it was not enough. The teams combined for 255 points most in WNBA All-Star Game history.
Erica Wheeler wins MVP
Erica Wheeler, an undrafted rookie from the Indiana Fever, took home the MVP award. She made her first six shots, all three-pointers. Wheeler had 18 first-half points. She finished the game with a game-high 25 points on 9 of 17 shooting and 7 of 13 from three-point land. Wheeler’s hard work has paid off to get her where she is today. It was terrific to see Erica win the award and her emotion as she accepted the MVP trophy.
Brittney Griner Dunks
Phoenix Mercury’s Brittney Griner had All-Star record three dunks in the game. One of the dunks was an impressive two-handed dunk. Griner is known for dunking from her days in college at Baylor. Brittney finished the game with 16 points and nine rebounds.
All-Star Game rule changes
The WNBA experimented with some rule changes for the game, they used a 20-second shot clock and used hockey substitution pattern. Teams were allowed to sub one player on offense once per quarter. The shot clock hardly made a difference both teams got shots up quick.
Celebrities in the Crowd
Former NBA star Kobe Bryant sat courtside with his daughter, as well as current NBA player Chris Paul. Also, in attendance was Meagan Rapinoe member of the U.S women’s soccer team, sat next to her girlfriend Sue Bird. It is great to see NBA players and other celebrities support the WNBA; it is starting to get a better following.
The All-Star game in Las Vegas was a hit for the WNBA. The WNBA and their players did a great job promoting the All-Star game. It Was a great weekend all around, from the Skill challenge, three-point contest to the All-Star game.
