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"I don't wanna play defense": A'ja Wilson's candid take on WNBA All-Star Game during Olympic and non-Olympic years
Team WNBA defeated an A'ja Wilson-led Team USA in the 2024 WNBA All-Star Game. Arike Ogunbowale and Angel Reese led the way for Team WNBA in the 117-109 win over the US Women's Olympic team.
Breanna Stewart and A'ja Wilson spearheaded Team USA, combining for 53 points. Stewart finished 10-21 for 31 points and 10 rebounds, shooting 3-9 from behind the arc. Wilson was more efficient, shooting 8-13 for 22 points and six rebounds.
After the game, Wilson and Stewart were asked if they'd prefer non-Olympic year All-Star games to be competitive and have to play defense like they did in this year's edition.
"Our mindset is different when the Olympics are going on. So yes, I feel like the defense has to be there because the parties, all the extra stuff, it's not there because we have to focus on the game. When it's not an Olympic year, I don't want to play defense," Wilson responded.
A'ja Wilson's closing remark concerns professional basketball players, NBA and WNBA, visibly taking their defensive responsibilities more lightly during the All-Star Game than in a playoff game.
Team USA is the overwhelming favorite to top the podium in women's basketball, with -1800 odds to win gold.
Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark impress against A'ja Wilson and Team USA in All-Star Game
Team WNBA's rookie duo of Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark displayed their skill sets in the All-Star Game. Reese posted a double-double and Clark broke the rookie All-Star record with 10 assists, just two shy of breaking Sue Bird's record of 11.
"If it's Sue's I'm breaking it. She's been talking crap all game. If it's anybody else they can keep it, not Sue Bird," Clark joked per CBS Sports.
Clark appeared on track to break the record but sat out the majority of the second half as she finished with 10 assists.
A'ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart will look to tighten the ship entering the Olympics as the team's leaders. Wilson is currently the WNBA MVP frontrunner and will look to represent her country with a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Wilson helped Team USA win the gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, averaging 16.5 rebounds and 7.3 rebounds in six starts.
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