2017 WNBA All-Star Game Shows A New Age in Women’s Basketball

The expectations of this year’s WNBA All-Star game included a celebration for the success and longevity of Sue Bird’s career, and a dynamic performance from former All-Star Game and league MVP, Maya Moore. Undoubtedly, that is exactly what took place in Seattle this year, especially since the Seattle Storm was represented by two of its very own, 10 time All-Star Sue Bird, and No. 1 draft pick Breanna Stewart. Over 15,000 fans shouting “Sue Bird” filled the arena at the start of the game, and Bird did not disappoint by delivering a game high 11 assists.

While Bird might have been in control of the crowd's energy, Maya Moore, Nneka Ogwumike and Jonquel Jones were in control of the game. Minnesota’s superstar Maya Moore led her West All-Star team with 23 points granting her MVP of the night, and Los Angeles center, Ogwumike followed with 22 points and seven rebounds. While many All-Star games are best performed by the guard position, this year’s top performances was put on by the post players.

Although the marquee performances by both Moore and Ogwumike gave them the winning edge over the East All-Stars, East All-Star Jonquel Jones could have easily been named All-Star Game MVP. Connecticut Sun’s 6-foot-6 center Jonquel Jones led her East All-Star team with 24 points and nine rebounds. Many did not expect this type of performance from an East All-Star post player, considering Jones was filling in for the expected starter, Brittney Griner. However, the loss of Griner, who had to miss the All-Star game due to ankle injuries, was by no means noticeable due to the expert performance put on by Jonquel Jones. Jones even received an uproar from the crowd and she showed off her own Brittney Griner move by dunking during a half-court offensive set.

The game played out as most All-Star games do. Light defensively, fun, and a chance for the players to show off their many talents and moves that they may not always get to utilize during the regular season. It wasn’t until the fourth quarter that the All-Stars turned up the energy to decide who would take the winning title of this year’s game. However, once the deciding outcome of the game was in reach, Maya Moore and the rest of the West All-Star team outscored the East helping them defeat the East 130-121.

While the East may not have won, their leader Jonquel Jones took home a few victories of her own. Her versatility at her size, and her ability to play an inside and outside shooting game led many to believe the dynamic of women’s basketball is continuing to evolve and expand.

Sue Bird, 36, used the attention that was obviously placed on her, to shed light on this new generation of women hoopers. In excitement she stated that the WNBA “is in good hands”. She also complimented Jonquel Jones’ game by stating “With every new generation that comes up, you get to see that women's basketball is going to be OK. It's continuing to grow. Jonquel, especially, shows you this new-age player, 6-6 and can hit step-back 3s and had the dunk at the end there. She was skillfully doing some really difficult stuff, and she made it look easy.”

Interestingly enough, the leaders of this year’s All-Star Game are currently leading the WNBA in playoff tracking. Maya Moore and her Minnesota Lynx are of course expected to have a repeat of last year’s WNBA Finals with Ogwumike and the Los Angeles Sparx. However, the only other possible team that could place themselves in the WNBA Finals Series are Jonquel Jones and her Connecticut Sun.