No one will easily forget this year’s WNBA All-Star Weekend. The two-day event which included festivities, celebrations, and, of course, intense competitions, was everything that the 16,000+ fans at the sold-out Footprint Arena would have hoped for. From the rookies Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese to veterans like Breanna Stewart, A’ja Wilson, and Arike Ogunbowale, everyone brought their A-games. Hence, it is only normal for former All-Star Chiney Ogwumike to fangirl over these stars and call the successful event the best one ever!

In the latest episode of NBA Today, Chiney Ogwumike pointed out what made this year’s celebration stand out. The ESPN analyst first talks about the rookies Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark who made their All-Star debut. Ogwumike exclaimed, “The answer is absolutely both!” when her co-host asked which rookie impressed her the most.

She added, “Now, I wish Caitlin knocked down threes because that would have set the internet on fire as well and showed her true skills. But I think the thing that people underestimated was the games that were on display. Caitlin’s passing was impressive!” Clark set a new rookie record for the WNBA All-Star game with her 10 assists.

Chiney Ogwumike also talked about the Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese. Impressed, the former LA Sparks star said, “Angel, her double-double. Her relentless nature to not only just finish but also rebound.” Talking about the young stars as a duo, she mentioned, “Both these ladies, no matter what the situation is, they show up in these moments.”

Another Team WNBA player that left the ESPN analyst flabbergasted was, of course, the MVP Arike Ogunbowale. For the Dallas Wings guard, Ogwumike simply said how she simply stole the show. But many others did that too.

Team USA does it for Chiney Ogwumike

Whether it was Diana Taurasi at age 42, competing in an All-Star Game and trying to go for her sixth Olympic gold, or Angel Reese, being the youngest one at 22, everyone fit in perfectly. Even A’ja Wilson, who is possibly the unanimous MVP this year, and Breanna Stewart showed their skills on Saturday. The two combined for 53 points in the 109-117 defeat. This number made up 49% of Team USA points.

Chiney Ogwumike also mentioned the further growth in the playing patterns that A’ja Wilson has introduced this year. These include misdirecting the players, taking crossover cuts, and stepping back for a pull-up. Overall, Team USA, despite the loss, certainly showed up and showed out before leaving for Paris.

In fact, even after the loss to the WNBA’s All-Stars, Team USA remains a heavy favorite to win their eighth consecutive gold medal. They will first go against Germany in the exhibition game on July 23. But certainly, the All-Star Weekend did win hearts and interests back in the heated desert of Phoenix.

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting pilot episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and SEC All-Freshman Team Selection, Silas Demary Jr.