Angel Reese Reflects on Historic Partnership with Paige Bueckers at WNBA All-Star Game

The 2025 WNBA All-Star Game delivered an unforgettable spectacle at Indianapolis’ Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Saturday night, featuring not just exceptional basketball but also a meaningful reunion between two of the sport’s brightest young stars. Team Napheesa Collier dominated Team Caitlin Clark with a commanding 151-131 victory, though the absence of Clark due to injury certainly impacted the competitive balance of what was anticipated to be a marquee matchup.

Napheesa Collier herself stole the show with a record-breaking performance, earning All-Star Game MVP honors after dropping an unprecedented 36 points that rewrote the history books for individual scoring in the midseason exhibition. Her dominant display overshadowed what could have been a thrilling duel between the league’s most promising rookies, as Caitlin Clark’s injury forced her to watch from the sidelines rather than compete alongside her fellow first-year phenoms.

Among the most compelling storylines emerging from Saturday’s festivities was the long-awaited partnership between Dallas Wings rookie sensation Paige Bueckers and Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese, two players whose careers have been intertwined since their high school recruiting days. For the first time in their professional careers, these former college rivals found themselves wearing the same uniform colors, representing Team Collier in what became a historically significant moment for both athletes and their respective fan bases.

Bueckers made her All-Star Game debut memorable by contributing six points and eight assists while etching her name in the record books by sinking the first-ever four-pointer in WNBA All-Star Game history, a feat that will be remembered long after the final buzzer sounded. Her playmaking ability was on full display throughout her time on the court, as she consistently found open teammates and demonstrated the basketball IQ that made her one of the most coveted prospects in recent memory.

The significance of Bueckers and Reese finally playing together was not lost on either player, particularly Reese, who has been vocal about their long-standing relationship that dates back to their teenage years. “I’ve known Paige for a long time. We were the No. 1 and No. 2 players in our [recruiting] class, so we’ve been in a relationship for a really long time,” Reese explained to reporter Karli Bell before the game, her words carrying the weight of years spent as both rivals and mutual admirers.

The emotional resonance in Reese’s voice was palpable as she continued, “It’s good to finally be able to play together instead of playing against each other,” acknowledging the unique nature of their journey from high school competitors to college adversaries to professional peers. This sentiment captured the essence of what made Saturday’s All-Star Game special beyond the impressive statistics and record-breaking performances that typically dominate post-game conversations.

Reese’s own contribution to Team Collier’s victory was characteristically well-rounded, as she recorded six points, nine rebounds, and two assists during her 17 minutes of action, showcasing the versatility that has made her one of the most impactful rookies in recent WNBA history. Both she and Bueckers were among only four players on the winning team who failed to reach double figures in scoring, but their willingness to defer to veteran stars like Collier and Skylar Diggins demonstrated the maturity and team-first mentality that should serve them well throughout their careers.

Diggins herself turned in a masterful performance with 11 points and a game-high 15 assists, proving that experience and basketball wisdom remain invaluable commodities even in an exhibition setting designed primarily for entertainment and celebration. Her ability to orchestrate the offense and create opportunities for her younger teammates highlighted the generational bridge that makes All-Star Games such compelling viewing experiences for basketball purists and casual fans alike.

The recent history between Bueckers and Reese added another layer of intrigue to their All-Star partnership, as they had faced off just twelve days earlier when Chicago defeated Dallas 87-76 on July 9th in what proved to be a physical and competitive regular season encounter. In that contest, Reese dominated the glass and scoring column with 15 points and 11 rebounds for a impressive double-double, while Bueckers struggled with her shooting touch, managing only 17 points on a frustrating 5-of-20 field goal performance that left her seeking redemption.

Saturday’s All-Star Game provided both players with an opportunity to showcase their skills in a more relaxed environment, free from the intense pressure and defensive schemes that characterize regular season matchups between playoff-contending teams. The exhibition format allowed fans to appreciate the pure talent and basketball artistry that both Reese and Bueckers possess, while also highlighting the mutual respect and friendship that has developed between two players who have spent years pushing each other to greater heights.

As the 2025 WNBA season continues beyond the All-Star break, the partnership between Reese and Bueckers in Indianapolis will be remembered as a symbolic moment that represented the bright future of women’s professional basketball in America. Their ability to transition seamlessly from fierce competitors to collaborative teammates speaks to the professionalism and sportsmanship that defines the league’s culture, while their individual talents promise years of memorable performances and compelling rivalries that will captivate audiences across the globe.