Team Stewart, Liberty Stars Prevail in WNBA All-Star Game
Revenge, thy name is Stewart.
Joined by teammates from the past and present, Breanna Stewart's latest attempt at general manager ended on a high note, as her team took home a 143-127 decision at the 2023 WNBA All-Star Game in Las Vegas.
Stewart, currently starring for the New York Liberty, beat a group chosen and captained by A'ja Wilson of the hosting Las Vegas Aces. The first-year New Yorker gained vengeance after Wilson's group beat hers in last year's All-Star showcase in Chicago.
Familiarity defined Stewart's team, as the fantasy draft format allowed her to pick Liberty cohorts Sabrina Ionescu and Courtney Vandersloot, as well as former Seattle compatriot Jewell Loyd. The most emotional pick was her first, as Stewart was able to add close friend and fellow Team USA representative Brittney Griner. Still repping the Phoenix Mercury, Griner returned to All-Star competition after missing out last year when she was detained in a Russian penal colony.
Picking up where she left off in the 3-Point Contest from Friday afternoon, Ionescu took advantage of the four-point available in the exhibition. Ionescu earned 15 points in the first half, allowing Team Stewart to build a runaway lead in the second quarter. Between their points and assists, Ionescu and Loyd were responsible for 54 of Team Stewart's 73 points in the second half.
Loyd took center stage the rest of the way, scoring an All-Star record 31 points to break a mark shared by Maya Moore (2015) and Kelsey Plum (2022). A few dunks from Griner further electrified a Sin City crowd enjoying the prescience of four Aces (Wilson, Plum, Chelsea Gray, Jackie Young) on the other side.
Stewart herself ended the night with nine points and rebounds each while Vandersloot had two points and an assist off the bench. Her lone tally came in her first minute off a feed from Ionescu, who had eight assists and six rebounds in addition to her scoring output. The 143 points scored by Team Stewart were another WNBA All-Star high mark.
On the other side, Plum tied her own mark from last season with 30 points on 11-of-17 shooting to lead all scorers.
The Association announced that the 2024 WNBA All-Star Game will be held in Griner's dwelling of Phoenix next summer. In the meantime, Ionescu, Stewart, and Vandersloot will return to the Liberty's quest for a championship, which continues on Wednesday afternoon at Barclays Center against the Dallas Wings (1 p.m. ET, YES/NBA TV).
Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags
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