Three Reasons To Watch The Team USA-Team WNBA All-Star Matchup (And Yes, Caitlin Clark Is One)

Looking for some entertaining sports action during the time of year when there isn’t much to speak of? The WNBA All-Star Game might just be able to help you out.

I can hear the collective groans from everyone saying, "How could this possibly be exciting?" Well, here are just a few things that might persuade you to tune into the game at 8:30 p.m. EST on ABC.

Both Teams Want To Take This Game Seriously

One of the most justified complaints about the NBA All-Star Game is that it's obvious that no one takes it seriously. It's just a collection of the best NBA players competing in a half-speed, monotonous game where no one plays defense, and everyone playing looks like they just want to get out of there and go home. 

That won’t be the case tonight.

While every player in tonight’s game is going to be a part of the WNBA, there’s a catch. The two teams - Team USA and Team WNBA - will be made of players who made the Olympic squad and the best players that didn’t, respectively.

Read: Fun Plays For Team USA Vs. Team WNBA

While you might think that’s a huge advantage for Team USA, think again. The last time the league did this All-Star format (in 2021), the Olympians only won by eight points. So there’s evidence that tonight could be closer than we think, which is further evidenced by how the teams are approaching it.

Aliyah Boston (7) and the rest of Team WNBA are going to do all they can to knock off Team USA. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)

"We're taking the game pretty seriously," Team USA member Napheesa Collier said. "We have to get ready for the Olympics, so this is a practice game for us. We're definitely going in with the mindset that we want to win."

The Indiana Fever’s Aliyah Boston said Team WNBA is approaching the game with the same competitive mindset.

"We definitely want to win," Boston said. "We said in the huddle that winning is fun. We're excited to get out there and play together. Obviously, we haven't played together as this group, but just knowing the talent we have on this team, being able to push pace and run is going to be good for us." 

A game where the best players in the league actually want to take it seriously? Sign me up.

Speaking of Indiana Fever stars…

Caitlin Clark And Angel Reese Will Be On The Same Team…And Reese Is Excited About It

So far this season, there’s been nothing but drama between these two players, mostly because of Reese. In a Fever-Chicago Sky game earlier this season, Reese was happy - scratch that, ecstatic - that Chennedy Carter body-slammed Clark into the ground.

Clark has poured freezing cold water on the rivalry, saying that there’s absolutely nothing extra between the two. The fans don’t think that’s true, as tickets for the second Fever-Sky matchup went for record prices.

Regardless, it is going to be wildly interesting to see two players that have a tension-filled history with each other unite to challenge the Olympians tonight. For her part, Reese seems excited about this possibility. 

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - JUNE 16: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever and Angel Reese #5 of the Chicago Sky look on during a game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 16, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

"Everybody can cheer for both of us for one day. That’s going to be cool. I’m excited," Reese said. "This is going to be the first of many. I know we’re going to be in All Star teams together in the future. Olympic teams together. Women’s sports is going into a rise and I’m happy."

For one night, Clark and Reese are going to be on the same side, and that should be great. Will Clark help Reese get another double-double? Will Reese dish it out to Clark from the block for a three? Will they rack up any other highlights together?

This could be really, really fun.

This Is Caitlin Clark's Chance To Prove USA Basketball Was Wrong To Leave Her Off The Olympic Roster

One of the most perplexing story lines from the WNBA this season was the fact that Clark was left off the Olympic roster for the 2024 Paris Games. Given how popular she is within culture at large and with the league itself, this was one of the most head-scratching decisions in recent memory. 

Clark said she felt no ill-will towards USA Basketball for the decision, but Fever coach Christie Sides shared that when Clark got the news, she got a text from her young player saying they "woke up a monster."

Since then, Clark has vaulted herself into the front of the race for the Rookie of the Year conversation, and had a historic triple-double against the New York Liberty. Many people have suggested she wasn’t snubbed from the Olympic team, but she’s been playing like the monster she said she was.

I personally would love to see Clark make this game as personal as possible. Show Team USA that they were wrong to leave you off the roster. Hang 25 on them and send a message that in 2028, you better not be sitting at home while the rest of America's best go for gold.

That would make this All-Star Game incredibly hype.