Jones was named the All-Star Game's MVP, scoring 22 points in front of a record crowd of 19,783 fans



The 2026 WNBA All-Star Game belonged to Jonquel Jones and Team Spoon on Saturday night as they defeated Team Coop, 129-122, in front of a record crowd at Chicago's United Center.

Jones, the New York Liberty center, registered 22 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists as she won the game's MVP award. It's a performance that she dedicated to her aunt, who recently passed away.

"Just coming out every day to play, trusting my teammates. It's a great experience," Jones said on the court after receiving the award. "My aunt passed away not too long ago and today is actually her memorial. I got permission from my family to be here and to celebrate this moment. This one is for my auntie."

Team Spoon, named after GM Teresa Witherspoon, was also fueled by captain Caitlin Clark, who finished the game with 17 points -- easily outdoing the four points she scored during her All-Star debut in 2024. The Fever star missed the 2025 ASG in front of her home fans in Indiana with an injury.

GM Cynthia Cooper and captain Paige Bueckers saw Team Coop make the game close a couple times, but their efforts fell short of the win. Kelsey Mitchell led the Team Coop offense with 28 points, while Marina Mabrey scored 23 points off the bench. Mabrey was the MVP front-runner after the first half, but she went scoreless in the last two quarters.

Saturday's game -- in front of 19,783 fans -- had a little bit of everything, including a dunk by 20-year-old Dominique Malonga. It was also a special night for Nneka Ogwumike, whose 11 points helped her become the All-Star Game's all-time leading scorer. She now has a total of 127 points in 11 All-Star Games.

With the All-Star festivities officially done, the WNBA schedule will resume on Tuesday.

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Posted by Temmy
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