Arike Ogunbowale Shatters All-Star Scoring Record in WNBA Victory

In a thrilling display of athleticism and skill, Arike Ogunbowale set a new WNBA All-Star Game scoring record with an impressive 34-point performance during her debut at the event. The WNBA All-Stars triumphed over the U.S. Olympic team in a match held on Saturday night, marking their second successive victory against the Olympians, following their previous win in 2021.

Ogunbowale, who was also named the MVP of both the current game and the 2021 All-Star match, was instrumental in leading the WNBA team to victory. Interestingly, the only loss the U.S. faced in the 2021 season occurred during this All-Star Game, which did not hinder their success in ultimately securing their seventh consecutive Olympic gold medal. Now, as the U.S. prepares for the upcoming Olympics in Paris, they do so with hopes of replicating that success.

The depth and talent of the WNBA All-Stars proved to be unmatched, showcasing the remarkable level of competition within the league. Earlier in the day, the U.S. men’s Olympic team survived a nail-biting exhibition match against South Sudan, winning by a mere point, further emphasizing the intensity of competition as they gear up for the Olympic Games.

With the U.S. women’s team having only two days of practice together, they struggled to find their rhythm against the WNBA All-Stars. Ogunbowale, playing for the Dallas Wings, dominated the game in the second half, scoring all of her points after halftime. She electrified the crowd by netting 21 points during the third quarter alone, achieving remarkable success with six of her ten shots, including five three-pointers.

Despite the efforts of the U.S. team, which featured strong performances from Breanna Stewart and A’ja Wilson—who contributed 31 and 22 points respectively—the team was unable to regain the lead once Ogunbowale began her scoring spree. Ogunbowale’s second-half performance not only led her team to victory but also broke the previous All-Star scoring record set by Jewell Loyd, who had scored 31 points in the previous year.

Ogunbowale’s history with the U.S. national team has been tumultuous. Although she has been a part of the national team pool for the last two Olympic cycles, she was unable to secure a spot on either roster. This time, she withdrew her name from consideration early on, citing the political nature of the selection process.

The All-Star Game this year took place in Phoenix, designed to celebrate the illustrious 20-year career of Mercury star Diana Taurasi and the return of Brittney Griner, who had faced wrongful detainment in Russia in 2022. With the presence of both seasoned and new talent in the lineup, including rookies Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, the game attracted significant attention and hype, reflecting a league that is enjoying record attendance and viewership numbers this season.

Clark and Reese, who are making waves in the league, were eager to showcase their talent alongside other notable players. Clark finished her All-Star debut with four points and ten assists, whereas Reese added twelve points and eleven rebounds to the mix. Their remarkable camaraderie on the court promised a bright future for the league.

As the game unfolded, the competitive atmosphere was palpable, with both the WNBA and U.S. teams trading baskets in an engaging first half. By halftime, the U.S. held a slim lead at 54-52. However, the WNBA All-Stars quickly flipped the momentum in the third quarter, scoring nine of the first eleven points, which helped them regain control of the game.

U.S. team coach Cheryl Reeve acknowledged the challenge of focusing on coaching amidst the emotional significance of the occasion. “This is one of the greatest spectacles, I think, in the history of our league,” she noted, reflecting the importance of the All-Star Game.

Taurasi, participating in her eleventh All-Star Game, received a roaring ovation from fans as she stepped onto the court. She commenced the scoring with a three-pointer early in the match, setting the tone for an entertaining and competitive environment.

As the dust settled on the game, Ogunbowale emerged as a superstar, drawing praise from a multitude of fans and sports personalities alike. Many reveled in her outstanding performance, speculating on her snub from the Olympic roster, while others expressed their admiration for the WNBA’s burgeoning talent and competitiveness.

In post-game reactions, various commentators and fans took to social media to laud Ogunbowale’s remarkable display. Patrick Mahomes remarked about her dominating performance, while NBA veteran Paul Pierce expressed his astonishment at her ability to put on such a show. Many fans shared sentiments that Ogunbowale’s exclusion from the Olympic roster might have been a poor decision, given her outstanding performance in the All-Star Game.

As the U.S. prepares to embark on their Olympic journey, they will first face Japan on July 29th, marking the start of their quest for another gold medal. The matchup against the WNBA All-Stars served as a valuable experience, reminding Team USA of the fierce competition they will face in Paris.