Fans often enjoy high-scoring basketball, but when offense dominates due to weak defense, it can diminish the excitement of the game. This issue has been evident in recent NBA All-Star Games, where players focus mainly on dunking and long-range shots with little defensive effort. The 2025 WNBA All-Star Game on July 19 followed a similar pattern, leading to widespread disappointment among spectators.
Many fans and media commentators criticized the WNBA players’ effort during the game, feeling the event resembled a casual match among friends rather than a serious contest. Regardless of the star players on the court, the competition lacked intensity and urgency, contributing to the negative reactions.
Breanna Stewart Calls for Longer Break to Improve All-Star Game Quality
Coming into her New York Liberty team’s July 22 matchup against the Indiana Fever, star forward Breanna Stewart addressed the backlash surrounding the All-Star Game. She emphasized the need for more rest between regular season and All-Star contests to elevate the overall quality and competitiveness of these showcase events.
“If we want the product in the All-Star Game to be better, then we have to have more time in between the games. There’s no way that you’re going to have a super competitive All-Star game with a [Liberty] game on Tuesday,”
Stewart stated, as shared by Geoff Magliocchetti on social media.
Other Voices Join Stewart in Advocating for Player Rest
Breanna Stewart’s perspective is not isolated; other players, including her Liberty teammate Sabrina Ionescu, have publicly supported the call for increased rest during the season’s midpoint. The condensed schedule leaves athletes fatigued, especially when top performers participate in intense All-Star weekend activities shortly before regular season games.
For instance, New York’s team had played just six days before the All-Star Game, and several key players were heavily involved in weekend events, further reducing their ability to deliver high-energy performances on the court.
Implications for Future WNBA All-Star Events and Player Welfare
The criticisms and calls for change highlight broader concerns about player welfare and the sporting value of All-Star games. Without adequate rest, the likelihood of showing true competition diminishes, turning these events into mere exhibitions rather than meaningful contests. Adjusting schedules to allow for more recovery time could enhance both the players’ performance and fan enjoyment.
As the WNBA continues to grow in popularity, balancing entertainment with athlete health and competitive integrity remains crucial. Fans and players alike hope that future All-Star formats will reflect these priorities, fostering more spirited games that showcase the best talents in optimal condition.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What surgery did Breanna Stewart have?
A. NEW YORK (AP) — Breanna Stewart recently had surgery on her right knee to fix her meniscus, according to someone with knowledge of the operation. This person shared the information privately because they were not allowed to discuss it publicly.
Q. Are Breanna Stewart’s kids biological?
A. Ruby Mae Stewart Xargay arrived in August 2021, followed by her brother Theo Josep Stewart Xargay in October 2023. Both were born through surrogacy. The couple has shared their happiness about expanding their family and mentioned how becoming parents has changed and enriched their lives.