The 2013 WNBA All-Star game is officially in the books. The Western conference somehow managed to come back from a large deficit to edge the Eastern conference, 102-98. The big story here was the coming out party for first time All-Star forward, Candace Parker of the Los Angeles Sparks.
Parker had been voted into the All-Star game on two occasions previously, but was unable to compete, once due to injury and the other time due to being on maternity leave. After a six year wait, Parker stepped onto the court at the Mohegan Sun Arena and dropped 23 points on the East. In doing so, she broke the previous points in an all-star game record which was held by Chicago Sky forward Swin Cash (22 points). Parker managed to tie with teammate Rebekkah Brunson to lead both teams in rebounding, finishing with 11 boards. To make her 23 points even more impressive, Parker did it shooting 10-13 from the field.
Kristi Toliver, G LA Sparks, came off the bench for the west and added 21 points and shot 3-6 from the three point line. Maya Moore, F Minnesota Linx, added 14 points. Diana Taurasi, G Phoenix Mercury, didn’t have a very good game, only scoring 3 points and dishing out 3 assist. Brittney Griner, F Phoenix Mercury, was voted in as a West starter, but was unable to compete due to a knee injury. The East team was also short one of their bigs. Elena Delle Donne, F Chicago Sky, led the all-star voting this year, but was unable to compete due to a concussion.Epiphanny Prince, G Chicago Sky, Ivory Latta, G Washington Mystics, each led the East with 15 points each. Erika de Souza, F Atlanta Dream, posted a hell of a stat line, dropping 13 points on 6-10 shooting, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. If Parker had not had such an impressive, highlight laced performance, the now two-time All Star de Souza would have been the next in line for the MVP honors.
