2019 WNBA All-Star: Stricklen takes three-point crown and DeShields wins skills challenge
LAS VEGAS — The WNBA has a new three-point contest champion as Connecticut Sun guard/forward Shekinna Stricklen won the event at the 2019 All-Star Game weekend festivities in Las Vegas Friday night.
Chicago Sky guard Allie Quigley, who entered the contest as the two-time reigning champion, did not make the final round, missing the cut by two points behind Stricklen’s 21 first-round points.
Las Vegas Aces guard Kayla McBride and Stricklen and went head-to-head for the title in the final round. McBride finished with 22 points while Stricklen earned 23.
“I’ve grown into a three-point shooter for Connecticut,” Stricklen said. “How our team plays, how my teammates play and when they find me. This is big. I’m still kind of shocked.”
First Round
- Kayla McBride (Las Vegas Aces) 22
- Erica Wheeler (Indiana) 12
- Kia Nurse (New York) 14
- Chelsea Gray (Los Angeles) 8
- Shekinna Stricklen (Connecticut) 21
- Allie Quigley (Chicago) 19
Final Round
- Stricklen 23
- McBride 22
Diamond DeShields (Chicago Sky) staged a comeback in the final round against Jonquel Jones (Connecticut Sun) to win the Skills Challenge. After a fan Pop-a-Shot Challenge won by Minnesota Lynx, the Skills Challenge kicked off the WNBA player portion.
Courtney Vandersloot (Chicago Sky) and Elizabeth Williams (Atlanta) advanced to the second round along with Jones and DeShields. Jones beat Vandersloot and DeShields topped Williams.
“I think ultimately this is a manifestation of hard work for both of us,” said DeShields about participating in the challenge and being an All-Star. “Being here is an honor and for any younger players – never think that something is impossible. Just keep on striving towards your goals and working hard and keep a positive mindset. The mind is so important – especially when it comes to moments like these, I feel like I’ve done this already because I’ve thought about it so much. To finally be here is a testament to our hard work and just looking forward to the future.”
It was the first time since 2006 that the league held the Skills Challenge during the All-Star weekend. Seimone Augustus of the Minnesota Lynx won that year.
The All-Star Game is set for Saturday, July 27, 3:30 p.m. ET/12:30 p.m. PT on ABC.
