The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Moore sets tone in West’s victory
Collins Hill grad finishes with 23 points, earns MVP.
SEATTLE — Maya Moore provided the example, reigning league MVP Nneka Ogwumike gladly followed along, and Sue Bird received attention and recognition she deserved.
Those veterans on the West roster knew exactly how to turn the first WNBA All-Star Game in Seattle into a showcase.
“I thought it was a great game, a great pace. You don’t want anybody to get hurt, but you also want to play with a certain intensity to show off your athleticism and I thought we were able to do that,” said Moore, a graduate of Collins Hill High School.
Moore scored 23 points, Ogwumike added 22 points and the West outlasted the East 130-121 in the WNBA All-Star Game on Saturday, where most of the focus was on Seattle’s 10-time All-Star Bird playing in front of her home crowd.
The veteran West squad, with 55 total All-Star Game selections on its roster, pulled away after a close first half. Moore made 9 of 17 shots, including five 3-pointers, while Ogwumike made 11 of 15 attempts off the bench. Bird had a hand in many of those baskets, finishing with a game-record 11 assists and eight points.
Moore was named the
game’s MVP for the second consecutive season.
No matter what Moore, Ogwumike or impressive East standout Jonquel Jones did in the game, it was secondary to Bird. She was the focus of the entire weekend welcoming the All-Star Game to her adopted hometown for the first time. It was her record-tying 10th All-Star appearance for No. 10, although it was her hope not to have all the attention specifically on her.
Easier said than done. Bird received the loudest ovations as she was introduced, drowning out those for Diana Taurasi, Seattle teammate Breanna Stewart and others.
“I know when she always talks about Seattle she always gloats and she always gets a smile on her face. So it was nice to see that love back to her, and you can tell it’s a mutual love,” Taurasi said.
The youthful East was led by Jones with a game-high 24 points, including a dunk in the final minute. The Dream’s Layshia Clarendon had 14 points off the bench and set the record for assists in an All-Star debut with 10. The 130 points by the West were tied for the most ever in a game. The teams combined for a record 251 points.