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This year's All Star Game is filled with electric offensive players and intimidating rim protectors, which will make for an exhilarating matchup between Team Stewart and Team Wilson. Saturday's game is the first All Star Game in the W's history that will be featured on primetime TV, you can catch the game at 8:30pm EST on ABC or streaming on the ESPN app. Based on the recent history of the game and the WNBA season, here are three things to expect in tonight's matchup.
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Brittney Griner will dunk more than once
With last year's game dedicated to the Mercury star and Griner already having thrown down a jam once this season, look for her to be a focal point in Team Stewart's offense. With Griner's team full of shooters plus the addition of the 4 point shot for the All Star Game, look for her to get some wide open paint touches where she can flush a couple home. Also, after Griner's unjust imprisonment in Russia was a largely-followed national news story, the WNBA has the perfect opportunity to manufacture a heartwarming story that's great for the press.
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Over 250 points will be scored
Last year's All-Star Game was a high scoring affair, with team Wilson edging out Team Stewart 134-112. The mid-season classic isn't known for its defensive intensity on the women's or men's side, but there are indications that this year's matchup will especially highlight the league's offensive prowess. The two teams last year managed to score 246 points despite a slow first quarter by team Wilson and Team Stewart only scoring 11 points in the second quarter. With a plethora of sharpshooters on the floor for both teams, the 4 point shot, and the shot clock being lowered to 20 seconds, look for the game to be fast-paced and feature loads of scoring.
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An Aces player will win MVP...but it won't be A'ja Wilson
A'ja Wilson has every reason to go off in this game: being snubbed from the NBA 2k video game cover in favor of Sabrina Ionescu, defending her two game winning streak against Team Stewart, and perhaps most importantly, playing in her backyard with the game being held on the Ace's home court. Despite these motivating factors, the MVP will come from one of her Aces teammate, who all are on Team Wilson as well. Last year, the award was awarded to Kelsey Plum, a fellow Las Vegas teammate to Wilson, who was in the starting backcourt for Team Wilson. With Plum shifting to the bench for this year's contest, look for Jackie Young to be this years All Star Game MVP. Young is currently tied for second in scoring on the Aces, who have the best offense in the W. She's also doing this on incredible shooting splits (57/48/79) which will benefit her playing for a Team Wilson that will create plenty of space for Young to shoot, drive, and distribute. If casual WNBA fans don't know who Jackie Young is now, they'll certainly be familiar with her game by the end of Saturday night.
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