Brittany Griner representing the Phoenix Mercury and Team Breanna Stewart at the WNBA All Star Game in Las Vegas is introduced to the crowd at Michelob ULTRA Arena prior to tip off against Team A’ja Wilson on Sat Jul 15, 2023 (AP News photo)

WNBA Stars Outshine Las Vegas Lights; Team Stewart puts away Team Wilson 143-127

By Barbara Mason

The Stars came out in Las Vegas at the Michelob ULTRA Arena as the WNBA All-Star game got underway on Saturday night. From tipoff it was obvious how much fun all of the players were having. Fans got to watch two super-teams from each side of the country. A’Ja Wilson was captain for the West and Breanna Stewart for the East. Team Stewart came away with the win thanks to a lot of offense 143-127.

It was extra fun for fans with three special rules. There were four-point shots, 20-second shot clock and no free throw shots. There was a four point circle at each end of the court that was beyond the arc, 28 feet from the rim.

Wilson had two of her team mates as her starters Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray along with Alijah Boston and Arike Ogunbowale. Kelsey Plum made an appearance as a bench player.

Captain Breanna Stewart had Brittney Griner, Jewell Loyd, Satou Sabally and Nneka Ogwumike as her starters. Both the Las Vegas Aces and the New York Liberty were well represented.

The first quarter was a close one with Team Stewart edging out Team Wilson 29-27. Team Stewart started to make a move in the second quarter winning it 44-36 and leading at the half 73-63.

Team Stewart continued to extend their lead in the third quarter 110-93. By the fourth quarter they had complete control of this game.

Most valuable player of this game was Jewell Loyd who finished the game with 31 points for Team Stewart. Kelsey Plum had the high for Team Wilson with 30 points.

It was an amazing event for basketball fans in an incredible city. There will no doubt be a lot of celebrating in Las Vegas tonight with entertainment at every turn; a perfect destination for this yearly event. Tuesday it will be business as usual for these players as they start play in the remainder of the 2023 season.