Napheesa Collier Shatters Records and Powers Team to Victory in Thrilling WNBA All-Star Game

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Napheesa Collier made headlines at the WNBA All-Star Game, scoring a record-breaking 36 points. Her performance helped Team Collier defeat Team Clark 151-131 in a game filled with excitement and lots of 4-point shots.

This year’s All-Star Game stood out from last year’s more competitive matchup of the U.S. Olympic team against WNBA All-Stars. This time, the focus was both on fun and the players’ ongoing push for better pay. Before the game, players wore shirts that said “Pay us what you owe us,” sending a strong message on their demands. Collier, who was named MVP, said, “The players are serious about this. We want to improve conditions for everyone.”

The crowd was fully on board, chanting “Pay them more” while All-Star Brittney Sykes waved a sign reading “Pay the Players.” This weekend was more than just about basketball; it was a platform for athletes to voice their needs.

Captain Caitlin Clark couldn’t play due to a groin injury but still played a vital role as the team ambassador. Known for her impressive shooting, she would have likely thrived with the new 4-point shot added to the game.

Collier’s team broke the previous All-Star scoring record with 151 points, surpassing Team Stewart’s 143 points from 2023. They also combined for a staggering 282 points, breaking last year’s high of 270. The game featured record-setting plays but limited defense, which is common in All-Star events. Both teams attempted the deep 4-point shots, making 20 out of 65 attempts.

Notably, this event showcased the largest group of rookies since 2011, with Paige Bueckers, Sonia Citron, and Kiki Iriafen participating. Bueckers started for Team Collier while Citron and Iriafen played for Team Clark.

Kelsey Mitchell and Jackie Young were announced as replacements earlier for Clark and Satou Sabally, but Young’s injury meant she didn’t start as expected.

The game also introduced fresh rules, like a 20-second shot clock and the ability to substitute during live play. There were no free throws until the final two minutes, simplifying the game’s flow. Only Skylar Diggins took free throws, marking the first triple-double in All-Star history.

The event attracted numerous celebrities, including rapper GloRilla, who performed at halftime. Fans went wild when Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton appeared on the videoboard.

The players’ efforts to highlight their pay demands, along with the exciting new rules, made this All-Star Game unforgettable. As the WNBA continues to grow, the impact of its athletes both on and off the court becomes increasingly significant.

For more on WNBA updates, visit the AP WNBA page here.

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