Why Phoenix Will Be Involved In Future All-Star Games
The WNBA All-Star Game is a highly anticipated event, and the 2023 edition was no exception. The game saw Team Collier triumph over Team Clark with a score of 151-131, with Napheesa Collier claiming the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. Collier's stellar performance included 36 points and nine rebounds, while her teammates Allisha Gray, Nneka Ogwumike, Kelsey Plum, Kayla McBride, Courtney Williams, and Skylar Diggins also contributed significantly. Among these players, several had ties to the Phoenix Mercury, a team with a rich history in the All-Star Game.
One notable player, Skylar Diggins, made history with a triple-double, and her connection to the Mercury is significant. She was part of the same draft class as Brittney Griner, who later became a teammate. Griner, a seven-time All-Star, played three seasons with the Mercury before joining the Seattle Storm. Another player, Alyssa Thomas, made her All-Star debut with the Mercury in 2023, and her future appearances are expected to represent the team.
Phoenix's involvement in the All-Star Game goes back to its inception, with players like Jennifer Gillom and Michele Timms participating in the 1999 edition. Since then, the Mercury has had a strong presence, with players like Diana Taurasi, Cappie Pondexter, and Brittney Griner making their mark. Satou Sabally, another Mercury player, was named a starter for Team Clark but unfortunately had to withdraw due to an ankle injury. Her replacement, Brionna Jones, and Caitlin Clark's replacement, Brittney Sykes, also had connections to the Mercury.
The Mercury's legacy in the All-Star Game is set to continue with players like Sabally and Thomas leading the way. As the team's success and popularity grow, it is only a matter of time before more Mercury players are involved in future All-Star Games. So, stay tuned and follow the Mercury's journey on X (https://x.com/MercuryOnSI) to learn more about the players who participated in the All-Star Game and their connections to the team.
