PHOENIX — Again the WNBA Champion Minnesota Lynx were well represented at the 2014 WNBA All-Star Game, this time by league-leading scorer Maya Moore, veteran guard Lindsay Whalen, and injured star Seimone Augustus.
The Lynx coaching staff headed by Cheryl Reeve coached the West stars. The Phoenix Mercury, the hottest WNBA team with a 12-game win streak and 18-3 record, like the Lynx had three All-Stars: Diana Taurasi, Brittney Griner, and Candace Dupree.
The game was well played from start to finish and delivered plenty of excitement for the national television audience over ESPN. The game featured 11 lead changes, the East and West both had double-digit
leads, and the game was tied 10 times.
For first time, the All-Star game went to overtime and the East Stars prevailed, winning it 125-124. Tamika Catchings grabbed a rebound with 10 seconds left and raced baseline to baseline to score the winning basket.
Catchings scored 14 points and had 13 rebounds and five steals. But it was the East’s rookie sensation Shoni Schimmel’s game-high 29 points and eight assists that provided the East the staying power.
The game had a great pace and flow. Schimmel made several highlight acrobatic baskets and nailed seven three-point shots from long range. Schimmel, a rookie from Louisville, was selected the WNBA’s MVP of the game, becoming the first rookie to grab game MVP honors.
Moore had 24 points and eight assists for the West stars, who committed 19 turnovers. West star guard Skylar Diggins had 27 points, seven assists and three steals.
The WNBA All-Star Game was well attended by 14,685 fans.
Reeve was really pleased with her West All-Star team’s effort. “We laid it on the line. Both teams played well. It was a great All-Star Game — just wish we could have won it.”
The Lynx have quite the challenge the second half of the season chasing red-hot Phoenix at 18-3; the Lynx are 17-6. Reeve says the Lynx hope to get injured Augustus back this week, as well as Rebekkah Brunson, who had knee surgery and has not played all year.
Larry Fitzgerald can be heard weekday mornings on KMOJ Radio 89.9 FM at 8:25 am, on WDGY-AM 740 Monday-Friday at 12:17 pm and 4:17 pm, and at www.Gamedaygold.com. He also commentates on sports 7-8 pm on Almanac (TPT channel 2). Follow him on Twitter at FitzBeatSr. Larry welcomes reader responses to info@larry-fitzgerald.com, or visit www.Larry-Fitzgerald.com.
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