Liberty Trio Plays Key Role
The 2024 WNBA All-Star Weekend in Phoenix will go down as one of the most historic events in the league history to date, and at the heart of the celebration were three standout players from the New York Liberty: Jonquel Jones, Breanna Stewart, and Sabrina Ionescu. Their exceptional performances and the vibrant atmosphere in Phoenix combined to create a weekend of basketball brilliance and record-breaking moments.
Jonquel Jones: The Versatile Star
Jonquel Jones was a cornerstone of Team WNBA’s victory in the All-Star Game. Despite not being the top scorer, Jones’s all-around contributions were invaluable. She finished with six points, seven rebounds, five assists, two steals, and a block.
The day before the All-Star Game, Jones showcased her shooting skills in the Three-Point Contest. With a stellar first-round performance where she scored 25 points, out performing the four other contestants. Jones finished as the runner-up behind Allisha Gray.
Breanna Stewart: A Showstopper for Team USA
Breanna Stewart, the reigning 2023 WNBA MVP, delivered a standout performance for Team USA. She recorded her first career WNBA All-Star Game double-double with 31 points and 10 rebounds, complemented by three assists, one block, and a steal. Stewart was Team USA’s top scorer and rebounder, further solidifying her status as one of the league’s elite.
Sabrina Ionescu: A Rising Star
Sabrina Ionescu, the youngest of the Liberty trio, made her mark in her second All-Star appearance with two points, three rebounds, and three assists for Team USA. Ionescu’s presence on the court was a testament to her bright future in the WNBA.
A Weekend of Records and Milestones
The 2024 WNBA All-Star Weekend was full of achievements and milestones, setting new records that will be remembered for years to come:
- Arike Ogunbowale set a new WNBA All-Star Game record with 34 points.
- Caitlin Clark made history as the rookie with the most assists in a single All-Star Game, dishing out 10 assists.
- Angel Reese became the first rookie to record a double-double in the WNBA All-Star Game, adding to her already impressive double-double total for the season.
- Allisha Gray made history as the first player to win both the Skills Challenge and the Three-Point Contest in the same weekend.
- The All-Star Game also set an all-time WNBA attendance record with over 16,000 fans filling the arena.
Phoenix: A City that Embraces the WNBA
Phoenix played an integral role in making the 2024 All-Star Weekend unforgettable. The city’s enthusiasm was evident in the extensive promotion of the event. Known for hosting major athletic events such as the Waste Management Open, the 2023 Super Bowl, the 2023 World Series, and the NCAA 2024 Men’s Final Four, Phoenix has a reputation for excellence in hosting sporting events. Billboards, road signs, posters, and banners were plastered around the city celebrating the WNBA All-Stars, reflecting Phoenix’s deep appreciation for the league and the excitement around its growth.
Jonquel Jones observed the city’s remarkable support, saying, “I’m just going around the city and the amount of advertisements and things that I’m seeing around the city, it really feels like an All-Star event. It has a different feel. It almost feels big, and way bigger than it was before.”
Cheryl Reeve, head coach of Jones and Team WNBA, also noticed the city’s embrace of the All-Star Weekend from the moment her team arrived at the airport. “Phoenix is a great city. They love the WNBA,” she said. “They have long been a city and a fanbase that has embraced the WNBA. As soon as we got to the airport, you could see the signage and very thoughtful, intentional things.”
Reeve further drew a parallel between the WNBA and NBA All-Star Weekends, noting, “Think about when you go to NBA All-Star Weekend. What does it look like and feel like? This All-Star Game resembles that probably more than any other.”
Celebrating a Historic Event
The 2024 WNBA All-Star Weekend was an indication of the growth and excitement surrounding women’s basketball. The performances of Jonquel Jones, Breanna Stewart, and Sabrina Ionescu not only highlighted the talent within the New York Liberty but also showcased the incredible level of play in the WNBA.
As the All-Star Weekend came to a close, it was evident that this event was more than just a showcase of basketball talent. It was a celebration of the league’s progress, the city of Phoenix’s supportive energy, and the bright future of the WNBA.
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Article written by Sydney Babik
