Indianapolis (AP): Napheesa Collier delivered a historic performance in the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game, proving once again why she’s one of the league’s brightest stars. Scoring a record-breaking 36 points, Collier led her team to a dominant 151-131 victory over Team Clark. Her epic 35-point show secures All-Star win in a game packed with flashy 4-point shots, record-breaking offense, and a powerful message from players demanding fair compensation.
The annual All-Star showcase, known for its blend of athleticism and entertainment, became an instant classic as fans witnessed a barrage of deep shots, innovative rule changes, and standout rookie performances.
Napheesa Collier’s Historic Night
Collier’s 36-point explosion broke the previous All-Star scoring record of 34 points set by Arike Ogunbowale last year. From the opening whistle, she took control of the game, sinking shots from all over the court, including several from the newly added 28-foot 4-point line.
The crowd erupted as Collier’s epic 35-point show secures All-Star win, marking a milestone not only for her career but for the WNBA’s evolution as an entertainment powerhouse. She was deservedly named the game’s MVP.
“It was such a fun night,” Collier said. “But I think it also gave us a chance to use this platform for something bigger. I’m proud of what we did on and off the court.”
Players Send a Message: “Pay Us What You Owe Us”
Beyond the dazzling plays, the players used the All-Star stage to advocate for change. Warming up in T-shirts emblazoned with “Pay us what you owe us,” the athletes made a bold statement about ongoing collective bargaining agreement negotiations.
Collier emphasized the importance of the message: “The players are taking this seriously. I think it sends a really strong message that we’re standing firm on things we need to improve. I think we got the message across.”
This off-court activism gave even more weight to the narrative that epic 35-point show secures All-Star win, symbolizing both individual and collective triumphs.
A Record-Shattering Game
The 2025 WNBA All-Star Game set multiple records:
- Team Collier’s 151 points broke the previous All-Star team record of 143 (Team Stewart, 2023).
- The combined score of 282 shattered the previous record of 270.
- Skylar Diggins recorded the first triple-double in All-Star history, adding another historic footnote to the night.
The game’s offensive explosion came as both teams embraced the 4-point shot, hitting 20 of them on 65 attempts.
Innovative Rule Changes Add Fun and Chaos
This year’s All-Star format included exciting experimental rules:
✅ A 28-foot 4-point line.
✅ A faster 20-second shot clock.
✅ Live substitutions.
✅ Automatic free-throw points until the final two minutes.
These tweaks encouraged a free-flowing, high-scoring game that had fans on their feet. For all its chaos, the night reinforced why epic 35-point show secures All-Star win became the headline of the event.
Rookies Steal Some Spotlight
The 2025 All-Star Game featured the largest rookie contingent since 2011. Paige Bueckers, Sonia Citron, and Kiki Iriafen all made their debuts on the big stage. Bueckers, starting for Team Collier, showed poise beyond her years, while Citron and Iriafen made key contributions for Team Clark.
The young stars proved the future of the WNBA is bright and made the epic 35-point show secures All-Star win even more significant as a bridge between generations of talent.
Celebrities and Legends Flock to Indianapolis
As the WNBA grows in cultural relevance, its All-Star Game is becoming a star-studded affair.
🎤 Rapper GloRilla electrified halftime.
🎶 Common and Jennifer Hudson sat courtside.
🏀 WNBA legends Lisa Leslie and Tamika Catchings drew cheers from fans.
✨ Indiana Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton stole the show in the suites, receiving the loudest ovation when shown on the big screen.
Their presence amplified the feeling that the WNBA is on the cusp of a global breakthrough, and that Collier’s epic 35-point show secures All-Star win was part of a larger movement.
A Night That Blends Fun With Purpose
While the All-Star Game has always been about fun and flair, this year’s edition carried deeper significance. It was a showcase of incredible talent, but also a reminder of players’ ongoing fight for equity.
“It felt like a celebration and a protest wrapped into one,” a fan tweeted. “Epic 35-point show secures All-Star win, but also a statement for the league’s future.”
What’s Next for the WNBA?
As the dust settles from this record-setting night, attention now turns back to the regular season and CBA talks. The league’s willingness to experiment with rules may lead to some of these changes becoming permanent, especially the 4-point line that fans adored.
For Collier, her MVP performance cements her place as one of the WNBA’s most influential figures—on and off the court. Her leadership in the game and in player advocacy shows why she is a role model for future generations.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 WNBA All-Star Game wasn’t just another exhibition—it was a cultural moment. From Napheesa Collier’s record-breaking 36 points to powerful player protests and a festival atmosphere, the night showed why the WNBA is one of the most exciting leagues in sports today.
As fans left Indianapolis buzzing, one headline captured it all: Epic 35-Point Show Secures All-Star Win.