Full Breakdown
Jonquel Jones Leads Team Spoon to Victory in Record-Setting 2026 WNBA All-Star Game
7/26/2026, 11:25:20 AM
Core Event: Team Spoon defeats Team Coop 129-122
On July 25, the United Center in Chicago hosted the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game. Team Spoon out-scored Team Coop 129-122, securing the championship. New York Liberty center Jonquel Jones posted 22 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists and was named All-Star MVP. Eight Team Spoon players scored in double figures and the game featured 127 three-point attempts.
Background & Context
The contest marked the league’s 30th-season celebration and the first All-Star event at the United Center, a venue twice the size of the Wintrust Arena that hosted the 2022 game. Legends Cynthia Cooper and Teresa Weatherspoon served as honorary general managers, drafting the squads. Coaches Becky Hammon (Las Vegas Aces) and Cheryl Reeve (Minnesota Lynx) were appointed after their teams held the best records at the July 10 deadline.
Data & Statistics
- Final score: Team Spoon 129, Team Coop 122.
- Attendance: 19,783, the highest ever for a WNBA All-Star Game.
- Scoring leaders: Kelsey Mitchell (Team Coop) 28 points; Jonquel Jones (Team Spoon) 22 points, 13 rebounds, eight assists.
- Three-point shooting: 127 attempts league-wide.
- Historic dunk: Dominique Malonga (Seattle Storm) became the youngest player to dunk in an All-Star Game, joining Lisa Leslie, Sylvia Fowles, Jonquel Jones and Brittney Griner.
Official Statements & Responses
Jones emphasized the emotional significance of the night, noting that basketball helped lift her spirits despite a recent family loss and highlighted the record crowd as evidence of the league’s growth. WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert faced boos while presenting the MVP trophy, reflecting fan frustration over league-wide issues such as online abuse and officiating.
Verbatim Quotes
On-the-Ground Reports
The night’s most talked-about moment was Malonga’s dunk, assisted by Angel Reese. The play marked the first All-Star dunk since Sylvia Fowles in 2022 and earned praise from teammate Paige Bueckers. Angel Reese logged nine minutes for Team Coop without scoring; her limited usage was attributed to a left-leg injury sustained on July 19. Despite the short stint, Reese recorded five rebounds, four assists and a plus-11 on-court rating.
What’s Next
- July 28: The Chicago Sky’s Aliyah Boston and Indiana Fever will face the Seattle Storm.
- July 29: The Atlanta Dream, with Reese expected to be fully cleared, play the Dallas Wings.
The All-Star weekend underscored the league’s expanding fan base and the on-court talent driving its growth.
