On July 20th, in the sweltering heat of Phoenix, the annual 2024 All-Star Game took place, showcasing a unique matchup: the national team set to represent the country in the upcoming Olympics versus the WNBA All-Star team, composed of players not selected for the national team and international stars. This thrilling event featured two rival rookies, Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, playing on the same team, adding an extra layer of excitement.

For the WNBA All-Stars, the reserves included Angel Reese, A’ja Wilson, Alyssa Thomas, Sabrina Ionescu, Napheesa Collier, Kelsey Plum, Jackie Young, and Kahleah Copper, with starters such as Brittney Griner, Jonquel Jones, DeWanna Bonner, Nneka Ogwumike, and Caitlin Clark. Team USA’s lineup boasted reserves like Alyssa Thomas, Sabrina Ionescu, Napheesa Collier, Kelsey Plum, Jackie Young, Kahleah Copper, and Brittney Griner, with starters including A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, Jewell Loyd, Chelsea Gray, and Diana Taurasi.

The game began with Team USA winning the tip-off and immediately demonstrating a level of play far beyond that of the typical men’s All-Star Game. An Iverson cut and an elevator screen set up a three-pointer by Diana Taurasi, giving Team USA an early lead. Chelsea Gray doubled that lead with another three-pointer, making it 6-0. Brittney Griner and A’ja Wilson had their moments in the first quarter, with Griner dominating in the post and Wilson showcasing her ball-handling skills and hitting a three-pointer.

Nneka Ogwumike stood out for the WNBA All-Stars, scoring in various ways, including a turnaround jumper, a post-up bucket, and a smooth floater. She even faked a lob pass, tricking her defender into hitting an easy jumper. Ogwumike’s stellar play kept the All-Stars competitive, and Angel Reese’s first bucket gave them the lead at the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter saw the Indiana Fever rookie making her presence felt with two beautiful assists, first setting up Aaliyah Boston with a wraparound pass for an and-one and then finding Brionna Jones for an easy layup. Despite the All-Stars’ efforts, Team USA responded with full-court pressure, resulting in a steal and a finish by Copper, a jumper from Griner, and an impressive and-one drive by Taurasi. Breanna Stewart also contributed with a corner three-pointer and a smooth Euro step layup.

Caitlin Clark turned the tide for the WNBA All-Stars, turning great defense into offense, feeding her teammates for easy buckets, and racking up five assists in the process. Jonquel Jones also shone, hitting a silky smooth jumper and a putback layup in the last seconds of the quarter.

The WNBA All-Stars changed uniforms at halftime, and their game took on a new intensity in the third quarter. Clark dished out three assists, one to Ogwumike for a bank shot and two more that led to buckets from Ogwumike. Ogwumike then caught fire, hitting five three-pointers in the quarter, including a step-back, a corner three, and a heat check three while smothered by the defense.

Despite Team USA’s efforts, including three-pointers from A’ja Wilson, Copper, and Kelsey Plum, it wasn’t enough to counter Ogwumike’s 21-point quarter. Kelsey Mitchell ended the third with a buzzer-beater, extending the All-Stars’ lead.

In the fourth quarter, the WNBA All-Stars continued to dominate. Ogwumike hit another three-pointer, and Angel Reese broke loose in transition, receiving a long pass from Jones for an easy layup. The highlight of the game came when Caitlin Clark dribbled through the defense and found Reese under the basket for an easy score, giving Clark her 10th assist of the night.

Breanna Stewart tried to rally Team USA, hitting two threes and a coast-to-coast layup, ending the game with 31 points. Taurasi added a three-pointer, but it wasn’t enough to stop the All-Stars. Ogwumike continued her hot streak, hitting her seventh and eighth three-pointers, and even showcased some moves, hitting a difficult mid-range shot off one leg.

The WNBA All-Stars’ chemistry was on full display, with plays like alley-oops and impressive teamwork. Ogwumike capped off her historic night by hitting two free throws, finishing with 34 points and breaking the record for most points in an All-Star Game. The WNBA All-Stars won by a comfortable margin, and Ogwumike deservedly earned the All-Star Game MVP.

This game not only showcased the incredible talent in the WNBA but also highlighted the competitive spirit and camaraderie among the players. Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, despite being rivals, demonstrated their ability to work together and lead their team to victory, showing everyone who is the boss.