Washington Mystics forward Elena Delle Donne received the most votes for the 2019 WNBA All-Star Game and will serve as a captain for the second straight year.
In a surprising and potentially awkward twist, the game will pit her against her own coach, Mike Thibault.
Delle Donne and Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson will captain opposing sides in the game, a reward for receiving the most and second-most votes, respectively.
Aces coach Bill Laimbeer will coach Delle Donne’s team because the Aces have the best record in the WNBA through Friday. The second-best record belongs to none other than Washington, so per WNBA rules, Thibault and his staff will coach Wilson’s team — and against Delle Donne.
Got all that?
Delle Donne will play in her sixth All-Star Game. None of her Mystics teammates were named starters, but some could be selected as reserves by a vote of WNBA head coaches this weekend.
In addition to Delle Donne and Wilson, the other starters are Liz Cambage (Aces), Brittney Griner (Mercury), Natasha Howard (Storm), Jonquel Jones (Sun), Chelsea Gray (Sparks), Jewell Loyd (Storm), Kayla McBride (Aces) and Kia Nurse (Liberty).
Delle Donne and Wilson will select their teams, and the game will be played July 27 in Las Vegas.
• Adam Zielonka can be reached at azielonka@washingtontimes.com.
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