WNBA All-Star 2024 did not disappoint. From the time I got off the plane, Phoenix made sure that you knew it was WNBA All-Star weekend. As soon as I touched down, I saw billboards featuring Aja Wilson, Sabrina Ionescu, and Diana Taurasi, The G.O.A.T so may say. It was just basketball central. You felt the vibe, you felt that energy, and you just felt like it was time to have a blast.
Friday night kicked off with the skills challenge. Early that day I was able to speak with Alyssa Thomas and Jackie Young, who described her game as smooth. Alyssa Thomas mentioned that if she could compete in any other Olympic sport, it would be swimming, while Brionna Jones said her choice would be running track. Haley Van Lith spoke about her adversity during the season and how it prepared her for three-on-three competitions. The WNBA live event you had the chance to play games, shoot hoops, and see some of your favorite WNBA players like A’ja Wilson, Sabrina Ionescu, and Caitlin Clark for some meet and greet, and Q&A. It was a great chance to take photos, get some gear, and enjoy the vibe with fellow fans.
The skills challenge was fun and a vibe, with Allisha Gray from the Atlanta Dream taking home the title. She didn’t just stop there; she also won the three-point contest, earning a total of $110,000 for her efforts. Alicia Gray brought home the bag that day, showcasing her incredible skills and determination.
The excitement continued as we awaited the arrival of the players on the orange carpet. They showed up ready to showcase their style and personality. I had the chance to hear Dawn Staley, Andrea Carter, Arike Ogunbowale, Aaliyah Boston, and Skylar Diggins-Smith discuss the growth of women’s basketball from the time they entered the league to today, reflecting on how far sport has come.
And then, we had what we all came to Phoenix for: the All-Star game. The game started rocky, featuring a matchup between the WNBA All-Stars and Team USA, a format we haven’t seen since 2020. It was a back-and-forth battle, with the WNBA All-Stars and Team USA exchanging leads. But something changed at halftime. Coach Cheryl Miller, the GOAT herself, must have delivered an inspiring speech.
In the second half, the WNBA All-Stars switched to their black uniforms, and Arike Ogunbowale went off, scoring 21 points in the third quarter alone. She was shooting threes, getting busy, and making history. She finished the game with 34 points, earning MVP and breaking the record for most points scored in an All-Star game. Stars like Angel Reese securing a double-double doing what she does and Catlin Clark passing with the rock with a WNBA record of 10 assist.
The atmosphere was electric. Despite the narrative that no one watches women’s basketball, 16,407 fans packed the arena and with 3.44 million views. The energy was insane, with every WNBA team’s mascot in the house and celebrities like Vanessa Bryant, rapper Fabolous, and Ty Dolla Sign in attendance. Women’s sports are undeniably on the rise, and this game was a testament to that.
Pitbull’s halftime performance added to the excitement, making the event feel even more like a major spectacle. The WNBA All-Stars ultimately defeated Team USA 117-109, but the real victory was for women’s basketball. The game was a thrilling showcase of talent, energy, and entertainment.
If you missed this year’s All-Star weekend, don’t worry. There’s still a whole half of the WNBA season left, where you can see these incredible athletes in action. From jaw-dropping buckets to defensive plays and stylish tunnel fits, the second half of the season promises to be just as exciting.
Phoenix provided the perfect backdrop for this celebration of women’s basketball, and as the WNBA continues to grow, events like this only amplify the league’s impact. So, welcome to the W, where the action never stops, and the players continue to inspire and entertain fans around the world.
