"Just ridiculous, it was honestly almost unfair": Fans in awe after Arike Ogunbowale wins All-Star game MVP with record-shattering performance

In a star-studded game with so much hype and excitement, Arike Ogunbowale stood head and shoulders above the rest. The Dallas Wings star led Team WNBA to a rousing 117-109 win over Team USA on Saturday. Ogunbowale lit up the Olympians for a new All-Star Game record of 34 points.

Ogunbowale couldn’t buy a bucket in the first half but turned it up once the third quarter started. She erupted for 21 points to turn a 54-52 deficit after the first two quarters to an 88-79 lead after the third period. The Paris-bound team, who vowed to take the game “seriously,” couldn’t slow down the four-time All-Star.

Basketball fans reacted to Arike Ogunbowale’s record-shattering performance:

“Just ridiculous it was honestly almost unfair.”

One fan pointed out what many had been thinking:

“Couldn’t get her on the Olympic roster tho?”

Another fan commented:

“she could play in the nba if draymond green didnt exist”

Another fan congratulated Ogunbowale on her second ASG MVP award.

@DStewart541 had this to say about Team USA’s performance:

“They sent the wrong team to the Olympics!”

Meanwhile, @SteeleHorns814 appreciated Arike's performance, as well as the competition in this year's ASG.

"Congrats Arike! Loved the game. Competitively played rather than the typical all star tom foolery. Thanks to ATT for WNBA support. Every where I see something good happening for the ladies I see ATT. 👍👍"

Arike Ogunbowale had a 34-point, seven-assist, three-rebound and two-steal night against Team USA. She hit 10-of-20 shots, including a dazzling 8-for-13 clip from behind the arc.

Ogunbowale hit a 29-footer that had the crowd in Phoenix on its feet. A 27-footer off a Caitlin Clark assist had the fans going wild in the stands. Ogunbowale’s 34-point output broke the mark (31) that Jewell Loyd set in the All-Star Game last year.

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Arike Ogunbowale took her name out of Team USA consideration

Team USA can use that kind of shooting from Arike Ogunbowale when they compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics. “Rike” was considered for the event three years ago in Japan but wasn’t selected. This time, she took her name out of consideration.

The Dallas Wings franchise cornerstone had this to say on the “Nightcap” podcast:

"Whether that's USA Basketball, whether that's All-Star teams, whether that's first team, and stuff like that, there's politics.

"When it comes to [the Olympic trials], it really doesn't have much to do with your game. It's really about who they feel like fits with the team. So I actually took my name out of the pool months ago.”

In 2021, Team USA also lost to Team WNBA behind another MVP performance from Arike Ogunbowale. This time, she was back at it again with an even sizzling display that had fans in disbelief.

Unfortunately, the basketball world will not see her hot shooting in the Paris Olympics. Fans knew they were witnessing something special in Phoenix on Saturday.