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 level and her passion for the game is more than obvious.
An MVP night for Arike Ogunbowale 🏆 pic.twitter.com/jVgPuWFncb
— WNBA (@WNBA) July 21, 2024
USA Coach Cheryl Reeve knows that her team’s defense was not where it needed to be and that they cannot afford to allow 52 paint points:
“We didn’t come out and really compete to say we have a certain identity we’re trying to play to. I’ve got to figure that out. I’ve got to help them get there.”
Given Reeve’s track record, and considering where she has brought the Minnesota Lynx this season, the USA team is in good hands. And even though the overall scoring for the USA wasn’t quite up to par, just looking at the roster should be enough to stay very confident that they have the firepower to get the job done, particularly since they won’t come up against another Arike.
The WNBA Heads Into the Olympic Break
This may have been the most entertaining All-Star game I’ve seen. There was something, well, a lot of things at stake. Seeing two standout rookies make their first of many appearances, a now seasoned vet in Ogunbowale shows why she is one of the best in the league, and a player like Taurasi, who has shown a lot of younger players that if the desire, strength, and passion is there, you can play as long as you wish.
So yes, the USWNT team has a lot of work to do, but this is nothing new for them. And the All-Star squad will now enjoy a much-needed and welcome break. As eager as we all should be for the Olympics, the second half of the WNBA season should be equally exciting.
And that, my friends, as they say, is that.’ — Martin Ruben.
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