Putting a wrap on the WNBA All-Star game: It was all about having fun
Fun.
That one little three-letter word was the recurring theme after the WNBA All-Star game was in the books at Mohegan Sun Arena, with the West walking away with a 102-98 victory.
Both experienced vets and first-time players took in the atmosphere, embraced it, and turned it loose on the court.
Most Valuable Player Candace Parker (Los Angeles Sparks): “I’ve never been to a professional All-Star game, even in the NBA, so it was really special to be here wil all these great players and share stories with these great players in the locker room. I think that is the most important thing and I will remember those moments even more than the ones on the court.”
First time selection Nneka Ogwumike (Los Angeles Sparks): “It’s a lot of stress-free moments. All-Star is all about enjoying the weekend and having fun. Playing basketball is what we do, so it shouldn’t be stressful. It’s exciting and it was good to enjoy the weekend with the most talented players in the league.”
East co-leading scorer Epiphanny Prince (Chicago Sky): “It’s a lot of fun. We tried to win the game. Everybody is very talented and we wanted to come together and try to beat the West. We couldn’t make the comeback at the end, but it was a lot of fun.”
East co-leading scorer Ivory Latta (Washington Mystics): “I had a great time out there tonight. I love to have fun no matter what I am doing. I always tell my teammates that I am going to do whatever it takes to make them smile and keep them comfortable. I am going to continue to work and hard and that is the story of my life; hard work pays off.”
West second leading scorer Kristi Toliver (Los Angeles Sparks): “It was a lot of fun. I was kind of embracing all the moments from the warm-ups and then with about a minute left, I was just looking around because I was enjoying myself. It is more fun when you win, and that was definitely the goal, to win and have fun. Both were accomplished.”
East starting forward Angel McCoughtry (Atlanta Dream): “It’s a lot of fun to play with these girls. We’re always playing against each other, so it’s fun to play with the best in the league for one game. We love getting the chance to play with each other. It makes it a fun experience.”
In a few days it will be back to business for the best players in the WNBA, but at least for one weekend, it was great for them to play basketball like it used to be for them as kids…fun.
