WNBA All-Star Game Recap: Arike Ogunbowale Named MVP as Team USA Falls Short
PHOENIX — U.S. women’s national team head coach Cheryl Reeve anticipated a challenging game for Team USA in Saturday’s exhibition match against Team WNBA in Phoenix. Her prediction proved accurate.
In a thrilling WNBA All-Star game at a packed Footprint Center, Team WNBA secured a 117-109 victory over Team USA. The game was tight through the first half, but Team WNBA’s Arike Ogunbowale took control in the second half, breaking the record for the most points scored in an All-Star game and earning her second MVP title.
Ogunbowale, who was scoreless in the first half, exploded for 34 points in the second half, hitting 10 of 20 field goals. Following an inspiring pep talk from coach Cheryl Miller, she drained eight of 13 three-pointers, helping Team WNBA to a lead that stretched to as much as 20 points. Ogunbowale also contributed six assists, three rebounds, and two steals.
This achievement places Ogunbowale in elite company as one of only four WNBA players to win multiple All-Star MVP awards, joining the ranks of Lisa Leslie, Swin Cash, and Maya Moore. Ogunbowale previously earned the MVP title in 2021.
Caitlin Clark set a new rookie record with 10 assists, while Angel Reese became the first rookie to record a double-double in an All-Star game, finishing with 12 points and 11 rebounds. Allisha Gray, fresh off her victories in the 3-point shooting contest and skills competition on Friday, added 16 points.
For Team USA, Breanna Stewart led the scoring with 31 points, followed by A’ja Wilson with 22 and Diana Taurasi with 14.
