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Can Team Clark’s speed overcome Team Collier’s size?

3 days ago 3

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2025 WNBA All-Star captains Caitlin Clark and Napheesa Collier drafted their teams with clear intentions. Clark prioritized offensive chemistry and tempo, while Collier emphasized two-way versatility and defensive impact.

After the draft concluded with a coach swap that saw Sandy Brondello take Team Clark and Cheryl Reeve guide Team Collier, the stage is now set for a fascinating contrast in styles. While this matchup features two of the league’s most dynamic stars in Clark and Collier, the supporting casts tell different stories.

Team Clark enters this game with arguably the most explosive offensive potential we’ve seen in an All-Star format. The combination of Clark’s court vision, A’ja Wilson’s post dominance and Sabrina Ionescu’s 3-point shooting creates multiple ways to attack. Add in Aliyah Boston’s screen-and-roll game and Kelsey Mitchell’s quickness, and this team has the potential to put up eye-popping numbers.

The depth continues with Gabby Williams’ athleticism, who was an incredible steal given that Collier was likely to select her with her second reserve pick. Like the starters for Clark’s team, Williams not only can also push the pace and handle the ball, but she’s also having a career year from 3. Jackie Young has always been a respected shooter, as is the rookie Sonia Citron, who is shooting an absurd 41 percent on catch-and-shoot 3s. This roster was clearly constructed with the All-Star game’s fast-paced environment in mind.

Team Collier, meanwhile, brings a different kind of star power. Breanna Stewart’s absurd length and defensive versatility, Nneka Ogwumike’s size and agility and Allisha Gray’s shooting and perimeter defense offer an alternative yet also cohesive identity. The presence of Angel Reese adds rebounding, passing and defensive intensity, while Paige Bueckers brings off-ball movement and midrange prowess.

The key difference? Team Collier’s roster features more players comfortable switching defensively. This could be crucial if the game tightens up in the final minutes.

How Team Clark can win

The biggest advantage for Team Clark lies in their ability to create offense in transition and from 3-point range. Team Clark’s passing ability combined with shooters like Ionescu and Mitchell could create the kind of highlight-reel plays that All-Star games are known for. If they can establish an early rhythm from beyond the arc, they could race out to an early lead that forces Team Collier to play from behind most of the game.

Clark’s chemistry with Boston provides an immediate advantage. Their pick-and-roll combination has been devastating in regular-season action, and Boston’s improved screening and short-roll decision making should translate well to the All-Star format. The tempo will also be crucial for Team Clark. Wilson and Kiki Iriafen’s ability to run the floor and finish in transition could create easy scoring opportunities before Team Collier’s defense can set up.

However, Wilson and Satou Sabally will have to play up a position in order to match the size Team Collier brings, which is why their health and efforts will be crucial in deciding the outcome of this game. But, 3-point shooting will still be their biggest advantage. If Clark, Ionescu and Mitchell can combine for 10 or more made 3s, it will be tough for Team Collier to keep up.

How Team Collier win

Team Collier’s path to victory runs through their defensive versatility and half-court execution. Stewart’s ability to guard multiple positions and create mismatches on the other end gives them a unique weapon. If she can disrupt Clark’s rhythm while providing scoring punch, Team Collier has a real chance.

The synergy between Ogwumike and Skylar Diggins on defense and offense cannot be understated. Both players understand how to defend multiple pick-and-roll coverage while also being one of the best pick-and-roll duos in the league themselves.

Reese’s rebounding and energy also could be a game-changer. All-Star games often feature loose defense and long shots, which typically lead to more rebounding opportunities, although those chances can land further away from the basket. If Reese can control the boards and create second-chance opportunities, she will provide Team Collier with additional possessions, while also forcing team Clark to score against a set defense, which is much harder.

The key will be forcing Team Clark into halfcourt sets. If Team Collier can prevent easy transition opportunities and make Clark’s team execute in structured offense, their defensive personnel gives them a significant advantage.

Final thoughts

While All-Star games are typically high-scoring affairs that favor offensive players, this matchup presents an intriguing contrast. Team Clark’s roster seems tailor-made for the All-Star format’s emphasis on entertainment and offensive showcases. Their shooting ability, transition offense and natural chemistry provide multiple ways to dominate.

However if the game becomes competitive in the final minutes, Team Collier’s collection of two-way players could prove decisive.

This promises to be one of the most entertaining All-Star games in recent memory, with two distinct styles of play clashing in front of a sold-out crowd in Indianapolis.