Phoenix, AZ — The bright lights of All-Star Weekend dazzled fans, but behind the glitter and the celebrity-filled arenas, Team USA’s women’s basketball stars faced a storm of distractions that nearly cost them a tune-up game victory. In a candid post-game media session, A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart opened up about what went wrong, how rookie sensations like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese handled the pressure, and the critical lessons learned as they gear up for Paris 2025.
Wilson, reflecting on the defensive lapses that led to conceding 17 points, emphasized the importance of “being on the same page” and executing help-side rotations. “We have to take this one on the chin, keep moving forward, and focus on our ultimate goal,” she said. Stewart echoed her sentiments, stressing that every loss is a chance to learn, adjust, and grow stronger.
The duo praised the rookies’ composure amid All-Star chaos. Clark and Reese, both first-time All-Stars, played their game and embraced the fan experience without letting nerves take over. “They were who they were,” Stewart said. “That’s all you can ask for.”
Balancing All-Star festivities with Olympic preparation, however, proved challenging. Wilson and Stewart both highlighted the mental juggling act required to switch gears from their WNBA teams to Team USA. “The moment you put on this jersey, that switch flips,” Stewart explained. “We lock in, trust the process, and know we can adapt at any moment.”
All-Star Weekend offered unique opportunities but also underscored the shifting guard in USA Basketball. Wilson and Stewart are now stepping into more vocal leadership roles in the locker room, guiding a roster of highly talented, yet sometimes overly unselfish, players. “Everyone wants to win, but part of it is figuring out how to attack offensively and defensively as a unit,” said Wilson.
Beyond the court, both stars stressed the importance of representing the legacy of Team USA. Every moment under the bright lights, they said, is a chance to grow the game globally and inspire the next generation. “It’s bigger than us,” Wilson reflected. “It’s about carrying the torch so young players can shine just as bright.”
Looking ahead to Paris, the takeaway is clear: distractions will come, the competition will be fierce, but the team’s depth, leadership, and unshakable focus will define their success. All-Star Weekend was a test—not the destination—and Wilson and Stewart are confident the lessons learned will fuel Team USA’s push for gold.
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