The 2024 WNBA All-Star Game at Footprint Center was an electrifying event, and Arike Ogunbowale was the undeniable star of the night. The game saw Team WNBA triumph over Team USA with a score of 117-109, thanks in large part to a spirited halftime speech from legendary coach Cheryl Miller.
Halftime Turnaround
Down by two at halftime, Team WNBA needed a boost. Cheryl Miller, clearly displeased with the performance, singled out Ogunbowale, who had been scoreless with only two shot attempts. "I wasn’t expecting her to say my name," Ogunbowale shared. "She was talking about the team and then she pointed at me. She just told me to take a deep breath and play my game."
Ogunbowale's Explosive Third Quarter
Taking Miller's words to heart, Ogunbowale lit up the third quarter, scoring 21 of Team WNBA’s 36 points, including five 3-pointers. She nearly outscored Team USA by herself in that period. "As a scorer, when you see a couple go down like that, you just have all the confidence in the world," teammate Caitlin Clark said. "The basket looks really big and I know exactly how she felt. She was in the zone."
MVP Performance
Ogunbowale finished the game with 34 points on 10-of-20 shooting, including 8-of-13 from beyond the arc, earning her second All-Star Game MVP award. This performance placed her alongside WNBA legends Lisa Leslie, Swin Cash, and Maya Moore, as the only players to win multiple All-Star MVPs.
Refusal to Sub Out
Even though Ogunbowale was on fire, Clark was initially tapped to sub in for her. However, Clark declined, recognizing Ogunbowale’s momentum. "On the bench, they tried to sub me in for her and I was like, 'No, I’m good.' I’m going to stay on the bench and let her do her thing," Clark explained.
Previous MVP Performance
Ogunbowale's performance echoed her 2021 All-Star Game showing, where she led Team WNBA to a 93-85 victory against the U.S., scoring 26 points on 10-of-18 shooting and 5-of-10 from three. Her scoring prowess remains one of the most impressive aspects of her game.
Politics and Competition
Despite being one of the WNBA’s top scorers with 23.3 points per game, Ogunbowale had previously withdrawn her name from Olympic consideration, citing “politics” surrounding the team. However, her motivation for the All-Star Game was purely competitive. "They are getting ready to play and they want to win, so we’re not going to get embarrassed as well," Ogunbowale said. "I love competition. If I hear somebody is trying to beat me, I'm going to try and beat them twice as hard."
Supporting Cast
Ogunbowale wasn’t alone in her efforts. Allisha Gray added 16 points, Nneka Ogwumike chipped in 14, Caitlin Clark set a rookie record with 10 assists, and Angel Reese became the first rookie to record a double-double in an All-Star Game with 12 points and 11 rebounds. The synergy among Team WNBA was palpable and crucial to their victory.
Biggest Storyline
While the game was filled with star performances, the anticipated team-up of rookies Clark and Reese was a major storyline. Yet, Ogunbowale’s stunning display of skill stole the show. "In my eyes, she’s the best one-on-one player in the league," Clark praised. "She just has that skill and can get whatever shot whenever she wants it. It was fun to watch and that’s exciting for me."
In the end, Ogunbowale’s performance was a testament to her incredible talent and competitive spirit, making the 2024 WNBA All-Star Game a memorable event for fans and players alike.
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