It was a weekend to remember for the WNBA organisation, as the 2023 All-Star weekend was one for the record books.
The best and brightest in the competition came together in Las Vegas for the annual event, with amazing performances on display across the two days.
Friday night was packed with excitement and anticipation for a showcase of the array of talent across the WNBA in the skills challenge, followed by the three-point contest.
It did not take long for the 19-2 Las Vegas Aces to start dominating on their home court, with dynamic duo Kelsey Plum and Chelsea Gray taking home the skills challenge title, completing the course in an outstanding 44 seconds.
(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Then came time for the stars to shoot the lights out of the arena in the three-point contest, where history was soon to be made.
In the final round of the shootout, New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu went nuclear, knocking down 25 three-pointers of a potential 27, and setting a WNBA and NBA record for most points ever scored in the contest.
This historic display earned her the trophy and the applause of the sporting world.
Saturday saw the official All-Star game get underway, with celebrities and fans packing into the arena to witness the teams captained by Breanna Stewart and A’ja Wilson, a rematch of the 2022 All-Star contest.
The first quarter was dominated by Brittany Griner, who was playing in her first All-Star game since returning to the United States after being wrongfully detained in Russia for drug-related charges.
It was a bittersweet moment as she stepped onto the court, as she was met with resounding support during her 10 months in Russia between February and December in 2022. Griner ended the game with 18 points, 13 rebounds and a dunk that electrified the crowd.
As the game continued Team Stewart began to dominate, as Sabrina Ionescu was sinking four pointers and picking up where she left off from the night before.
Stewart and her squad were able to secure the 143-127 victory over team Wilson, becoming the highest scoring WNBA game ever, and elite level talent displayed on both ends of the floor.
Jewell Loyd had a night to remember, setting the WNBA record for points in an All-Star game with 31, and being named the All-Star MVP for 2023.
As the weekend full of joy, excitement and emotions came to an end, the WNBA season will continue as usual come Wednesday, as the Atlanta Dream take on the Minnesota Lynx.
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