Fans might have come for Caitlin Clark. Or A’ja Wilson. Or Sabrina Ionescu.
It was Arike Ogunbowale, however, who stole the show in Phoenix on Saturday night in the WNBA All-Star Game, with 34 points in the WNBA team’s 116-109 win over Team USA in what is a unique all-star format. She was named All-Star Game MVP.
The 27-year-old Ogunbowale, who has been named a WNBA All-Star for four consecutive seasons, brought more heat to the desert, to the tune of 34 points. All 34 came in the second half.
The Dallas Wings’ star was hitting pull-up threes, step-back threes, and one-legged jump shots in the summer showcase, taking center stage when the likes of Wilson and Clark were the more prominent of attractions heading into the game.
Ogunbowale, who also had seven assists, set a new WNBA All-Star Game record with her 34 points. Angel Reese, with 12 points and 11 rebounds, became the first league rookie since Yolanda Griffith in 1999 to record a double-double in the All-Star Game.
Breanna Stewart led Team USA with 31 points and 10 rebounds, and Wilson had 22 points and six rebounds.
Ogunbowale is averaging 22.3 points per game this season for the Wings.
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